VIJAYAWADA: IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh has directed officials to expedite basic infrastructure works in government schools by assigning them to School Management Committees (SMCs), aiming for faster execution and improved facilities.
Chairing a review meeting with senior officials of the School Education and Intermediate Education departments at his residence in Undavalli on Thursday, the Minister stressed the need to ensure 3-star infrastructure standards in all government schools across the State.
Stating that around 60 schools were with the admission of over 1,000 students he instructed officials to prioritize 5-star facilities in those institutions.
Lokesh cited the Nidamarru Upper Primary School in Mangalagiri constituency, where increasing demand for admissions has led to competition for seats. He directed that key works such as leak-proof buildings, safe drinking water, toilets, painting, and furniture be handled by SMCs.
Officials informed the minister that Rs 143.27 crore would be required for constructing additional classrooms in model primary schools. Lokesh instructed that these works be undertaken through the State School Infrastructure Corporation. Additionally, Rs 571.11 crore is estimated for providing minimum infrastructure in model primary schools this year, and he asked officials to mobilize funds from various departments to complete the works at the earliest.
The Minister also directed officials to identify schools in agencies and remote areas that lack their own buildings and take up construction on priority. Lokesh called for intensified efforts to increase admissions in government schools through door-to-door campaigns, with the involvement of MLAs and other public representatives. He set a target of achieving a 10 percent increase in enrolment this academic year.
Emphasising student retention, he instructed officials to bring dropout rates down to zero and ensure that no school-age child remains out of school. He also called for measures to improve attendance levels.
The Minister directed to educate students to avoid the use of derogatory language against women. He further stressed the importance of sports development, asking officials to coordinate with sports authorities to identify and nurture talent in disciplines such as badminton, archery, and kho-kho, and to explore organizing leagues at the college level.
Lokesh also reviewed guidelines for granting permissions to new private junior colleges. He expressed satisfaction over the strong performance of government junior college students in Intermediate examinations.