Private -to-government School Shift by Students Crosses 1 Lakh in AP

Vijayawada: Education minister Nara Lokesh has directed officials to place special emphasis on student attendance and learning outcomes in government schools during this academic year, following a significant rise in enrolments from private institutions.

While reviewing the performance of the school education sector with officials on Thursday, the minister heard that more than 1.06 lakh students had newly enrolled in government schools this year after shifting from private schools. Officials attributed the increase to a series of reforms undertaken in the education sector.

During the meeting, officials reported that as many as 3,515 schools, out of the 7,620 upper primary schools in the state -- accounting for 46.13 per cent -- had achieved enrolments up to their maximum capacity. The minister noted that the growing preference for government schools reflected the positive impact of the state government's educational reforms.

Officials also stated that 159 schools have been transformed into model primary schools this year, improving infrastructure and academic standards.

The issue of high fees being charged by private schools also came up for discussion. Lokesh directed officials to study regulatory mechanisms adopted by other states for controlling excessive school fees and examine their suitability for implementation in Andhra Pradesh.

In a major technology-driven initiative, officials said a pre-pilot Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tutor programme would be launched from September 5 under Phase-I in 175 LEAP schools. The project will provide AI-based support in Mathematics and Science for students of Classes IX and X.

The minister suggested that the AI Tutor system be integrated with classroom clicker devices in future to improve student engagement and assessment.

The review meeting also discussed the regularisation of IERP posts and the recruitment of guest lecturers for High School Plus institutions.

Separately, officials briefed the minister on plans to establish a state-level Central Library in Amaravati, a District Central Library in Visakhapatnam and a Skill Excellence Centre in Mangalagiri.

Lokesh reviewed the proposed building designs and offered suggestions. Officials said arrangements were under way to lay the foundation for the State Central Library in Amaravati next month.

Education special chief secretary (in-charge) Syamala Rao, school education director Tameem Ansariah and education infrastructure corporation MD Deeven Reddy, among others, attended the meeting.