‘Say No to Drugs’ campaign to be taken up all over AP: Minister Lokesh

"Government schools across the state will soon be rated, based on academics and infrastructure. The ratings will be done district-wise and mandal-wise," he said at the Collectors’ conference in Velagapudi on Thursday.

Lokesh said there was a need for “clear information as to whether the students are studying in government or private schools.” The chief minister has issued clear directives to ensure that the midday meals provided to students are nutritious, he said.

He said there have been several complaints about the meals served in higher education institutions and on cleanliness issues in hostels. Basic facilities such as toilets are inadequate, he said.

The minister said feedback from students is being collected to address these concerns. He proposed the launch of a campaign, "Drugs Vaddhu Bro" (Say No to Drugs), to expand the anti-drug campaign across the state.

Moreover, Lokesh stressed the need for curricular reforms from kindergarten to postgraduate levels and asserted that both government and private schools need to exhibit these changes.

He called for creating awareness among students against drugs-use, by forming "Eagle Teams" and clubs in every school and college.

“In the last five years, the education sector has not received the deserved attention. However, in the coming five years, the focus will be on improving infrastructure and academic results, with the goal of shaping the AP Model Education System," the minister said.

Lokesh said enrollment in government schools must increase, with a target of achieving zero dropouts. The infrastructure and academic performance in government schools were not aligned, he said, and added that steps should be taken with transparent policies to improve results.

The minister announced that the government would be preparing district-wise progress report cards, focusing on infrastructure and academic performance. “Officials are expected to direct their efforts in line with the upcoming 100-day action plan.”

Lokesh urged district collectors to focus on the Mid-Day Meal programme for children, ensuring the provision of nutritious meals. In higher education, attention should be paid to the hostel and dining facilities as there have been numerous complaints recently, he said.

He said the sanitation and basic infrastructure in hostels must be improved. Based on feedback, action would be taken to improve mess facilities and the overall amenities.

Lokesh said the curriculum overhaul from Kindergarten to Post-Graduation (KG to PG) was underway. He also acknowledged the challenges related to the implementation of the "Aadhar ID" system, which caused inconvenience to parents. He called on officials to solve these technical issues and work towards implementing the programme in a transparent and efficient manner.