HRD Minister Nara Lokesh Announces Depoliticized Education Materials and New Initiatives

In a significant policy shift, Minister for HRD, IT, and Electronics Nara Lokesh declared that all educational materials will now be free from any political influence, including colors, images, text, or interference. This announcement was made as he unveiled the 2024-25 Academic Calendar for School Education, which notably excluded the photographs of the Chief Minister and Education Minister.

During a subsequent review meeting at his Undavalli residence, Lokesh instructed officials to exclude photos, ministerial messages, and party colors from training manuals for teachers and students. He also mandated that elections for school management committees should be held in August, following the conclusion of the current term on July 31.

Lokesh emphasized that parent committees should be responsible for monitoring the quality of the Mid-Day Meal program and school infrastructure. He also directed officials to improve the maintenance of school toilets and initiate tenders for the supply of necessary chemicals and materials.

In a comprehensive review of the functioning of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools in the state, Lokesh announced that a new route map would be introduced soon. Additionally, he approved the long-pending recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff for Kasturba Gandhi Girls' schools.

The meeting was attended by Secretary of School Education Kona Sasidhar, Director Vijayarama Raju, and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan State Project Director B. Srinivasa Rao.