Nara Lokesh orders transparent teacher transfers, reviews key education policies

Amaravati: Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh directed officials to ensure a transparent and controversy-free preparation of seniority lists for teacher transfers. During a review meeting at his Undavalli residence on Tuesday, he also discussed reforms in school, intermediate, and higher education, along with strategies for upcoming DSC recruitment.

Review of teacher transfers and DSC administration

Lokesh emphasized the need for a well-organized process for teacher transfers and instructed officials to conduct a workshop for public representatives to gather suggestions on an alternative to GO 117. The meeting also focused on preparations for the upcoming DSC recruitment, ensuring a smooth selection process.

Concerns over guest faculty salaries and new syllabus implementation

The minister addressed the demand for higher salaries for guest faculty in junior colleges, stating that a positive decision would be taken soon. Officials informed that a new syllabus would be introduced for first-year intermediate students starting next academic year. Lokesh instructed that junior lecturer transfers be completed before the start of the academic year.

GO 42 impact on aided colleges and corrective measures

The discussion highlighted the adverse effects of GO 42, which led to the closure of 80 aided colleges, reducing their number from 137 to 57. Lokesh criticized the previous government’s policy and accused former CM Jagan Reddy of attempting to seize aided college assets. He directed officials to draft a compensation policy to address the losses suffered by students and resolve issues faced by aided teachers.

Skill census and employment strategy

To enhance employment opportunities, the minister called for improvements in the skill census program with expert guidance and integration with central government data. He ordered a comprehensive review of the roles of district employment officers, skill development officers, and Seed App district managers to create a unified employment system.

The meeting was attended by School Education Secretary Kona Shashidhar, Intermediate Education Director Kritika Shukla, Samagra Shiksha SPD B Srinivasa Rao, AP Skill Development Organization MD Ganesh Kumar, and others. Lokesh will also hold a review with district collectors and the Chief Secretary via video conference on February 20 to discuss Class 10 and Intermediate public examinations.