EducationSchemes – Lokesh Pushes Faster Rollout of Student Welfare Programmes
EducationSchemes – Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resource Development and Information Technology Nara Lokesh has instructed officials to accelerate the implementation of key education initiatives and ensure that financial assistance reaches every eligible student enrolled in both government and private schools across the state.
During a review meeting held at his residence in Undavalli on Tuesday, the minister examined the progress of several major programmes being implemented by the School Education Department. Discussions focused on initiatives such as Talliki Vandanam, Badi Pilustondi, Shining Stars, Mega Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs), Yogandhra, and preparations related to the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET).
Focus on Student Enrolment and Welfare Assistance
Lokesh sought a detailed assessment of student admissions in government schools and directed officials to take targeted steps to improve enrolment figures. Officials informed him that the Aadhaar verification process linked to mothers eligible under the Talliki Vandanam scheme is nearing completion.
According to the department, preparations are progressing as planned, with the welfare programme expected to be launched during the third week of July. The scheme aims to provide financial support to eligible students and strengthen access to education across Andhra Pradesh.
Key School Education Programmes Reviewed
The review meeting also finalised arrangements for the Shining Stars programme, which is scheduled to be conducted on June 29. In addition, plans were discussed for organising Mega Parent-Teacher Meetings during the third week of July to encourage stronger engagement between schools and families.
Officials and the minister also reviewed measures related to teacher deployment. Discussions included the rationalisation of teaching staff and the transfer of surplus teachers to institutions where additional manpower is required, with the objective of improving the effective use of available resources.
Directions on Entrance Examinations and Admissions
At a separate meeting with Higher Education Department officials, Lokesh instructed authorities to issue notifications for all 12 common entrance examinations, including AP EAPCET and POLYCET, without unnecessary delay.
He emphasised the importance of completing the admission process within the prescribed timelines and called for better coordination between state-level entrance examinations and national-level tests. He noted that synchronising schedules with neighbouring states would help reduce difficulties for students seeking admissions.
Proposal to Expand Technical Education Opportunities
The minister also asked officials to study the feasibility of increasing seat capacity in government engineering colleges and polytechnic institutions. Department representatives informed him that courses related to mechanical engineering and civil engineering continue to attract strong student interest in polytechnic colleges.
Officials further stated that preparations are underway for the AP EAPCET notification covering nearly 1.88 lakh seats available across 254 government and private engineering colleges in Andhra Pradesh.
Talks Continue with National and International Institutions
Lokesh reviewed ongoing discussions with several reputed educational institutions that have shown interest in establishing campuses or universities in the state. These include Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, James Cook University, University of Melbourne, Medhavi Skills University, and JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research.
He also directed officials to speed up efforts related to the proposed GMR MANSAS Aviation University, which is expected to strengthen aviation-related education and training opportunities in the state.
NCC Directorate Expected to Benefit Youth
The minister welcomed the Centre’s decision to approve a dedicated NCC State Directorate for Andhra Pradesh. He said the new directorate would help improve the administration of NCC activities, training programmes, and camps throughout the state.
The initiative is expected to create additional opportunities for young people to participate in military training programmes while developing leadership skills and discipline.
Senior officials present during the meetings included Principal Secretary (Education) J. Shyamala Rao, Director of School Education Tameem Ansariya, Commissioner of Higher Education Narayana Bharat Gupta, Samagra Shiksha State Project Director B. Srinivasa Rao, along with other department representatives.