Vijayawada: HRD and IT minister Nara Lokesh assured that no educational reforms will be implemented in Andhra Pradesh without considering the well-being of students.
Speaking to TOI, he emphasized that any decision related to reforms in intermediate education would be taken only after consulting all stakeholders including parents and lecturers.
The intermediate board is currently exploring opinions on a proposal to cancel first-year intermediate public examinations and instead conduct internal assessments at colleges, similar to the NCERT model. While some students and parents welcomed this idea, student unions have raised concerns. They argue that removing public exams might encourage private colleges to focus exclusively on competitive exams like IIT-JEE, fostering unhealthy competition.
Responding to these concerns, Lokesh clarified that the intermediate board is still in the consultation phase and no final decision has been made. “We will consider all opinions before implementing any policy. The focus will always remain on reducing stress for students,” he said. Lokesh also acknowledged the importance of competitive exams but stressed that the system should maintain a balance.
“To succeed in today’s competitive world, students need to work hard, but the system should not push them beyond their limits. I too had strict teachers during my school days, and their guidance helped me excel. While a competitive spirit is necessary, it must not cause undue stress,” he explained.
Beyond exams, Lokesh highlighted the need to instill gender equality at an early age. “Both men and women are equal in society. We must eliminate stereotypes about household roles. I help my mother and wife with household work whenever I can, and such practices foster a positive environment at home. Equality should start at the student stage to ensure it becomes a way of life,” he said.
The minister reiterated his commitment to reforms that create a balanced, inclusive, and stress-free education system for students in Andhra Pradesh.
