Lokesh says inter colleges to be on par with Narayana institutions

Vijayawada:Education minister Nara Lokesh informed the State Legislative Assembly that efforts are on to make government intermediate colleges compete with Narayana institutions. Replying to a question raised by MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao in the assembly on Friday, the education minister pointed out that student strength in government junior colleges had come down drastically during the time of previous government. He maintained that after the NDA alliance formed government in the state, admissions have gone up by over 15,000 in junior colleges.

Lokesh said the TD-led government has brought in several reforms in intermediate education. Students are being divided into A, B and C categories. For those who are weak in certain subjects, bridge courses are being conducted to make them improve. He went on to underline that efforts are on to see to it that government colleges compete with the Narayana institutions.

"We have sought some inputs from minister Ponguru Narayana, head of Narayana colleges, when he attended a workshop as the chief guest on Thursday. He has made certain suggestions," the education minister disclosed. He pointed out that focus is now on building faculty and education material by holding meetings with senior officers of the secondary and intermediate education boards.

Lokesh promised on the floor of the house to develop necessary infrastructure, review results periodically, and inform parents of students about how their children are studying. In this regard, he said parents-teacher meetings will be conducted across Andhra Pradesh in the first week of December.

"I appeal to all MLAs to take part in these meetings. They can visit government schools under their respective jurisdictions and give feedback," he remarked.

The minister expressed concern that the admission rate in government degree colleges is limited to only 50 per cent. He felt the primary reason for this is that many such degree colleges are run in dilapidated buildings with no proper faculty. "We are formulating plans to make degree colleges industry-centric," he emphasised.

With regard to a government degree college at Tagarapuvalasa being run on KGBV school campus, the minister assured that an alternative will soon be found. He said construction of a school building at Simhachalam will be completed in another six months.