Andhra Pradesh aims to achieve 100% literacy by 2027, says CM Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday called for sweeping reforms in the education system to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology, adding that the government aims to achieve 100% literacy in Andhra Pradesh by 2027.

Courses from the school level to higher education must be restructured to meet future requirements, and teachers have a crucial responsibility in preparing students for emerging challenges, he said while speaking at the Teachers’ Day celebrations.

The Chief Minister greeted teachers on the occasion and urged them to create awareness among students about emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum technology, robotics and data analytics.

‘Technology can’t replace teachers’

Mr. Naidu said that despite the growing use of AI and other technologies, teachers can never be replaced. Along with technological knowledge, students must be equipped with values, culture, patriotism and love for the nature.

He stressed that education should not remain confined to theory and called for greater opportunities for students to learn through practical experience outside the classroom.

The Chief Minister asked teachers to develop their schools into distinctive brands and ensure that every school-age child pursues education.

Teachers should encourage students to develop a love for learning while nurturing innovation, creativity, problem-solving and leadership qualities, he said, suggesting that students should begin developing proficiency in AI from Class VII itself.

Mr. Naidu stressed the importance of sports, nature, yoga and meditation in the overall development of students. He suggested using Saturdays, observed as ‘No Bag Day’, for activities such as tree plantation and other experiential learning programmes.

He said that technologies such as Clicker and AI Tutor were being used to transform teaching methods. He said the education system should also be aligned with industrial requirements.

Referring to the government’s broader vision, Mr. Naidu said the foundation for India to become a global leader by 2047 and Andhra Pradesh to emerge as the No. 1 State must be laid in schools, with teachers playing the central role. He called upon teachers to shape students into future leaders and said India could regain its position as Vishwaguru only through the efforts of teachers.

The Chief Minister recalled that the coalition government’s first signature was on the file related to the recruitment of teachers through Mega DSC exam. Despite attempts to obstruct the recruitment process through more than 350 petitions, the government overcame the hurdles and provided jobs, he said.

 175 teachers felicitated

Later, the Chief Minister and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh felicitated 175 teachers selected as the State’s best teachers.