AP introducing reforms in education system: Jagan

Amaravati: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that "The state government is implementing plans to overcome illiteracy. We are developing more than 44,000 schools in the state in a phased manner. In the first phase, we are providing at least 9 minimum facilities in 15,000 schools. English medium is being introduced in 1 to 8 classes from next academic year", while addressing a meeting with the NITI Aayog on Friday at secretariat.

Jagan further explained that that plan will be extended to 9 and 10 classes in the later years. Under Amma Vodi scheme, every mother sending her children to school would be given Rs 15,000. This scheme will be started from 26 January. Quality education with all facilities will be provided in government schools. Government aims to bring illiteracy to zero level. The Amma Vodi scheme can be a role model for the entire nation if Union HRD ministry sponsors the scheme.

Jagan further said that "steps are being taken to eradicate malnutrition in children. We are taking initiatives to maintain sanitation, cleanliness of drinking water and prevent unhealthy atmosphere."

He revealed the strategy to provide water to the poor through water grid project. Anaemia is prevalent in Tribal areas and remote areas. We have increased the quality of food being provided under mid-day meal, and to Anganwadi centres, Jagan added.

The CM further said that state government has focused on the health sector. People are spending huge amounts on health. "We are going to bring many more diseases in the purview of Arogyasri. In particular, Dengue and Malaria are being brought into the ambit of Arogyasri. This scheme will be launched from December as pilot project in West Godavari district. We are developing all govt hospitals with national standards.", he explained.

Jagan said that state government suffering with some inherent problems from the previous government. "Earlier govt had introduced Rs 2.27 lakh crores budget, though it was vote on account only. We kept the budget at the same level but made some internal changes. The state government gets income from state revenue and central taxes. There are FRBM limitations on debts. In this wake the central govt should not reduce the grants to the state." he urged NITI Aayog Vice Chairman.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary LV Subrahmanyam said that "NITI Aayog alone can cooperate AP which is suffering losses after bifurcation. 15th Finance Commission and NITI Aayog should liberally help AP. The centre should constitute Kadapa steel plant, as assured in the bifurcation act. The state government brought village secretariat concept for decentralization of governance. The govt is implementing transparent policies in governance. The govt brought Judicial Preview Act for the first time in India. Clusters in Visakhapatnam – Chennai, Chennai – Bangalore corridors are being developed. We are developing the state as investment hub, for which we need centre's cooperation. The govt is selecting 25 engineering colleges for skill development. The state is going to introduce electric buses to prevent pollution."

Ministers Buggana Rajendranath, K Kannababu, M Gowtam Reddy, G Jayaramulu, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar, delegation members, senior bureaucrats from state govt took part in the meeting.