CM Chandrababu Naidu called for sweeping reforms in education to keep pace with technology, urging teachers to develop students’ leadership, creativity, values and AI skills.
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called for sweeping reforms in the education system to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology, saying teachers have a greater responsibility to prepare students for the challenges of the future.
Addressing the State-level Teachers’ Day celebrations in Vijayawada, the Chief Minister said courses from the school level to higher education should be restructured in line with emerging technologies and changing industry requirements.
He urged teachers to create awareness among students about emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum technology, robotics and data analytics, and prepare them to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
Chandrababu Naidu said that while technologies such as AI were transforming education and several other sectors, nothing could replace teachers.
Technology, he said, must be complemented by values, culture, patriotism and love for nature. Teachers should focus not only on academic performance but also on shaping responsible citizens and future leaders.
“The responsibility of preparing students to face the competitive world has increased further,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that education should not be confined to theory and textbooks. Students should be given opportunities to learn through practical experiences outside the classroom.
He said his vision was to align the education system with the requirements of industries and the future job market.
Naidu called upon teachers to develop their respective schools into distinctive brands and make them centres of learning and innovation.
He said the government’s objective was to ensure that every child of school-going age remained in school.
Teachers should encourage students to develop a love for learning, while nurturing innovation, creativity and the ability to overcome challenges, he said.
The Chief Minister suggested that students should begin acquiring AI proficiency from Class VII itself.
He also called upon teachers to consciously develop leadership qualities among students so that they could take up greater responsibilities in the future.
The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of sports and nature in a child’s overall development.
He suggested that schools use every Saturday, observed as ‘No Bag Day’, for activities such as tree plantation and other experiential learning programmes.
Students should also be encouraged to adopt healthy practices such as yoga and meditation, besides developing a sense of spirituality, he said.
The State government is working towards achieving 100% literacy in Andhra Pradesh by 2027, Chandrababu Naidu said.
Technologies such as Clicker and AI Tutor are already being used to bring changes to the teaching and learning process, he added.
The Chief Minister said he aspired to see India emerge as a global leader by 2047 and Andhra Pradesh become the No. 1 State in the country.
“The foundation for achieving this goal must be laid in schools,” he said, adding that teachers would play the most important role in making that vision a reality.
Naidu recalled that the coalition government's first signature after assuming office was on the recruitment of teachers through Mega DSC.
He said the government had overcome several legal and other hurdles to complete the recruitment process and provide jobs to teachers.
The Chief Minister noted that technology had brought new challenges to the teaching profession and that the role of teachers had undergone a major transformation.
He called upon teachers to continuously upgrade their skills and adapt to new methods of teaching.
The Chief Minister also announced several measures concerning State government employees, teachers and pensioners.
He said the government had agreed to constitute the 12th Pay Revision Commission (PRC).
Two pending Dearness Allowances (DAs) would be released from October, he announced.
The 2022 surrender leave amount would be credited to employees’ accounts by Sankranti, while police personnel would receive additional surrender leave by Dasara.
Naidu also announced a 10-15% increase in the Additional Quantum of Pension for pensioners.
He said a decision had also been taken to credit the Employees’ Health Insurance amount every month.
The Chief Minister said the decisions were taken despite the State’s financial challenges, with the objective of addressing employee concerns and ensuring their continued partnership with the government.
Naidu said India could regain its position as Vishwaguru only through the contribution of teachers and called upon them to shape students into future leaders.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited an exhibition organised at the venue and enquired about various initiatives being implemented by the School Education Department. Education Minister Nara Lokesh explained the educational reforms being undertaken in the State.
The Chief Minister and Education Minister Nara Lokesh felicitated 175 teachers selected as the best teachers across Andhra Pradesh, recognising their contribution to education and student development.
