Minister Lokesh announces mid-day meals for intermediate students in AP

Andhra Pradesh: In a bid to reduce dropout rates and improve educational standards, Education Minister Lokesh announced that mid-day meals will be extended to intermediate students in government colleges across Andhra Pradesh. The decision was made during a review meeting with education officials at his residence in Undavalli on Tuesday.

Addressing dropout rates

Minister Lokesh highlighted the concerning dropout rates among students after completing Class 10. “Providing mid-day meals in government intermediate colleges can significantly reduce dropouts and encourage students to continue their education,” he emphasized.

Lokesh suggested providing a question bank to support backward intermediate students. Additionally, he directed that repairs be undertaken in the most damaged areas of government junior colleges.

Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting on December 7

The state will organize a Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) on December 7 across all government schools. Minister Lokesh, alongside CM Chandrababu Naidu, will attend the PTM at Bapatla Government High School. The minister urged schools to create a festive atmosphere for the event to enhance parent-teacher engagement.

Lokesh also made it clear that ministers and legislators must attend meetings in the schools within their constituencies. Furthermore, no party flags, banners, or other political symbols should be displayed at these events.”

Focus on star ratings for schools

To boost educational standards and infrastructure, Minister Lokesh proposed a star rating system for government schools. He directed officials to work towards achieving tangible improvements in school facilities and learning environments.

Incorporating moral values in curriculum

Minister Lokesh emphasized the need for instilling moral values in students through the curriculum. He recommended consulting State Government Advisor Chaganti Koteswara Rao to design a syllabus focused on character building and ethics.

Restricting school grounds usage

The minister firmly stated that school grounds should be used solely for educational purposes. Activities unrelated to education, except for job fairs, will no longer be permitted on school premises to maintain a conducive environment for learning.

Key participants in the meeting

The review meeting was attended by School Education Secretary Kona Shashidhar, Commissioner Vijayaramaraju, and Intermediate Education Director Kritika Shukla, who pledged their commitment to implementing these initiatives effectively.

This initiative reflects the state government’s dedication to transforming the education system, ensuring greater access, inclusivity, and quality for students in Andhra Pradesh.