CM interacts with students and parents at Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting

Andhra Pradesh , Bapatla ( Journalist File ) : Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asserted that the future of children lies in the hands of their parents and teachers. Speaking at the Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting held at Bapatla Municipal High School, Naidu emphasized the importance of continuous learning to reach greater heights and urged students to embrace technology and stay focused on education.

He expressed satisfaction over the participation of nearly 1.2 crore parents, teachers, and students in the state-wide initiative, which was conducted simultaneously in 45,000 schools. Naidu stated that such collaborative efforts could lead to significant changes in the education system. "If parents, teachers, students, and the government work in coordination, we can achieve remarkable goals," he said, adding that these meetings would become an annual event, held every December 7th.

Naidu recalled his own experiences of learning from his early teachers, stressing that students must focus on their studies and stay away from harmful addictions. He also pointed out the negative impact of technology, urging parents to ensure that children do not become slaves to smartphones. "Parents must monitor their children's use of technology and guide them towards its constructive use," he said. He also emphasized the need for vigilance regarding cybercrimes, which are ruining the lives of many young people.

The Chief Minister addressed the growing concern of drug use in the state, particularly the cultivation of cannabis in residential areas. He announced the establishment of the EAGLE system to combat the illegal transportation and use of drugs. "We will completely curb the use of cannabis and ensure that drugs do not become a part of our state’s narrative," Naidu vowed.

On the importance of the family system, Naidu spoke about the rich cultural heritage of India, contrasting it with practices in countries like Japan and the USA, where children are encouraged to support themselves through education and work. He underscored the significance of respecting elders and the role of family in fostering strong values.

Naidu also highlighted the need for a balanced approach to education, urging students to give equal attention to both academics and sports. "Participation in sports not only strengthens the body but also the mind," he said, reiterating the state's commitment to enhancing infrastructure in schools. He promised that all schools in the state would have digital libraries and labs by the next academic year. He also assured that incomplete classrooms in Bapatla Municipality would be completed and the facilities improved.

Later, the Chief Minister interacted with students at the school, encouraging them to study hard for a bright future. He also shared a meal with the students, reinforcing the importance of staying healthy and focused on education.

This event marks a significant step towards strengthening the education system in Andhra Pradesh, as the state government continues its efforts to improve infrastructure, provide quality education, and ensure the well-being of students.

 Minister Nara Lokesh Announces at Parents-Teachers Meeting

Andhra Pradesh, Bapatla ( Journalist File ) : Andhra Pradesh’s Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, announced a major initiative aimed at filling 16,347 teacher vacancies through a "Mega DSE" (District Selection Committee) process. The state plans to complete the recruitment process in the next six months, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Minister Lokesh highlighted that the initiative would be wrapped up before the upcoming Sankranti festival, providing relief to the education sector.

Speaking at the Mega Parents-Teachers Meeting (PTM) held at Bapatla Municipal High School, Lokesh drew parallels between the event and the excitement of the Sankranti festival, signaling the importance of the occasion. "Looking at all of you today reminds me of my school days. When there was a Parent-Teacher meeting at my school, my mother would attend, but my father, who was already a teacher, rarely had the time to come. However, seeing students always fills me with joy," said Minister Lokesh.

He went on to emphasize the importance of education in shaping the future of children and credited teachers for their pivotal role in molding individuals, regardless of the profession. Reflecting on the vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Lokesh remarked, "Our government firmly believes that social change is possible only through education. With the visionary leadership of CM Chandrababu Naidu, we are establishing the Andhra Model of education, which will serve as a benchmark for the country."

Strengthening Bonds Through Mega PTM

The Mega PTM initiative, Lokesh noted, strengthens the relationship between government schools, teachers, students, and parents. He further stressed that for an education system to succeed, everyone must be an active participant. "Education must be a community effort, and as per Chief Minister's direction, we are ensuring that all stakeholders — students, teachers, parents, school management committees, alumni, and donors — work together for the betterment of our schools," Lokesh said.

The event, which took place simultaneously in schools across the state, was attended by millions. "This is a historical event, as we are conducting the Mega PTM in 45,094 government and aided schools across Andhra Pradesh, involving 35 million students, 71 million parents, over 188,000 teachers, and more than 50,000 public representatives," he added. The initiative aims to foster a strong, personal connection between parents and schools, creating a more holistic education environment for students.

Holistic Development and Infrastructure Upgrades

Minister Lokesh also spoke about the focus on holistic student development, introducing "Holistic Progress Cards" that assess not only academic achievements but also health and overall well-being. The government is collaborating with the Health Department to provide health check-up reports for students, allowing parents and teachers to monitor their children’s health more effectively.

"We aim to create digital labs to assess the students' learning outcomes and ensure infrastructure improvements in all schools. This includes providing leak-proof classrooms, access to drinking water, and other essential facilities," he said.

Lokesh also reaffirmed the government's commitment to revamping education without political interference. "Our government is not obsessed with political photo-ops or color schemes. I have instructed officials to avoid such distractions, focusing instead on delivering results in education," he explained.

Teacher Empowerment and Moral Education

Regarding teacher empowerment, Lokesh assured that teachers would only be responsible for teaching, with administrative tasks and non-educational duties being eliminated. He emphasized the importance of teaching moral values along with academics. "We are introducing a new curriculum that will focus on life skills, civic awareness, and moral values, and we have appointed renowned scholar Chaganti Koteshwar Rao as an advisor for ethical education," he said.

In closing, Lokesh urged all stakeholders to work together in transforming government schools into exemplary institutions. "In the next four years, under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, we will transform every government school, aiming for a 4-star rating. Teachers, parents, and all stakeholders are crucial to this mission," he concluded.