Minister Nara Lokesh has strongly criticized the previous government for its destructive policies towards the education system. Speaking at the Best Teacher Awards ceremony on National Education Day, Lokesh remarked, “The previous government shut down schools with the introduction of GO 117 and failed to fill any teacher vacancies. They also imposed the CBSE exam system in over a thousand schools, but after we took over, 90% of students failed. The previous administration gambled with the future of students.”
Lokesh highlighted that the education sector is currently facing a Rs 6,500 crore debt due to mismanagement by the former government. He emphasized that educational decisions must be made with careful consideration, as they directly impact the future of millions of students. “Every decision I take will involve consultations with teachers and students to ensure we are ready for its implementation,” he stated.
Pledging to overhaul the education system, Lokesh said, “I have taken it upon myself to strengthen the public education system. We are planning comprehensive changes to the K-12 system. Instead of adopting the Delhi or Kerala models, we will ensure that the Andhra Pradesh model of education becomes a benchmark in the next five years.”
The Minister also stressed the importance of value-based education, stating that qualities such as respect for women, teachers, and parents must be instilled alongside academic learning. He set ambitious goals, including securing the third position for Andhra Pradesh in NIRF rankings and ensuring that the state’s universities feature among the top 100 globally.
Additionally, Lokesh announced plans to conduct a mega DSE exam soon and ensure that every class has a dedicated teacher. He also elaborated on the Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme, which is providing nutritious meals to students, with region-specific meals planned. “Quality will not be compromised, and strict actions will be taken if any errors occur,” he said.
Lokesh concluded by addressing the lack of basic infrastructure in schools. “In the next three years, we will ensure that all schools have leak-proof buildings, drinking water facilities, toilets, and computer labs,” he added.