In a significant push to foster creativity and technological integration in education, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has announced that the state government will organise a major Student Innovative Partnership Summit in the last week of January 2026. The announcement was made during a Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting at Adarsh Model School in Bhamini, located in Parvathipuram Manyam district.
Major Announcements for Holistic Education
The Chief Minister, accompanied by HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, outlined a vision to develop the Andhra Pradesh education system as a role model for the entire country. He stated that the upcoming summit will not only showcase student innovation but also involve industrialists, who will be invited to participate. The best innovative projects presented at the summit will be rewarded.
During the visit, the CM and the minister actively engaged with the school's ecosystem. They explored seven concept-based rooms set up by the school and interacted directly with students and parents. In a symbolic gesture, both leaders even sat as students in a classroom to experience firsthand the teaching methods and the classroom clickers programme. This programme provides immediate feedback to teachers on student comprehension after lessons.
Demonstrating a personal touch, CM Naidu assessed a girl student's reading ability, noting her 73% success rate and encouraging her to improve further. The day also saw the formal launch of the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) programme, a cornerstone initiative for early education.
Key Reforms and "No Bag Day" Initiative
In a move aimed at reducing academic pressure and promoting holistic development, Chief Minister Naidu declared that every Saturday in the state's schools will be observed as "No Bag Day." On these days, students will be encouraged to participate in sports and fine arts activities instead of regular academic instruction.
He expressed satisfaction with the students' knowledge levels and highlighted that nearly 16,000 teachers have been recruited recently under the mega DSC (District Selection Committee) drive. After witnessing a self-defence demonstration by girl students, the CM announced that a special Act would be enacted to protect girl students, underscoring the government's commitment to their safety. He repeatedly stressed the importance of a moral value-based education system.
Comprehensive Educational Overhaul
Naidu detailed the extensive reforms already underway, which include 28 specific changes in school education and 10 in intermediate education. Schemes like 'Talliki Vandanam' and efforts to improve the quality of the mid-day meal scheme are being implemented. He pointed out a favourable teacher-student ratio in government schools, which stands at 1:18 compared to 1:28 in private schools.
For higher education, the government will provide financial assistance through the 'Kalalaku Rekkalu' scheme, offering loans at a highly subsidised interest rate of just 0.25% for students pursuing studies abroad. Programs like 'Shining Stars' have been introduced to encourage talented students, and teachers are being sent for training in countries like Finland to adopt global best practices.
The CM acknowledged regional economic disparities, noting that while Andhra Pradesh's per capita income is Rs 2.37 lakh, it is significantly lower in tribal areas like Parvathipuram (Rs 1.43 lakh), Palakonda (Rs 1.19 lakh), and Bhamini (Rs 1.15 lakh). He emphasised that educational advancement is key to bridging this gap.
He linked the state's efforts to the broader national vision, stating that the NDA government has a clear policy for better education, aligning with the Centre's Viksit Bharat mission and the state's own Swarnandhra slogan. Naidu confidently predicted that this focus would enable students to become job providers rather than job seekers in the future.
CM Naidu also appreciated Parvathipuram Manyam district collector Prabhakar Reddy for introducing innovative programmes like 'Mustaabu', which may be replicated across other schools and colleges. Concluding the event, HRD Minister Nara Lokesh set an ambitious goal, asserting that Andhra Pradesh's education system will be the best in the country by 2029. He highlighted ongoing reforms in 906 schools and the introduction of the 'Leap App', which allows parents to track their children's academic progress and attendance easily.
