Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh proposes 'No-Bag Saturdays' to foster students' holistic development

Nara Lokesh, the Minister of Information Technology, Electronics, and Communications, has directed education officials to implement "No-Bag Saturdays" across schools in the state to enhance co-curricular engagement.

During a review meeting with School and Intermediate Education representatives on Jan 28, Lokesh emphasized the importance of students' holistic development.

He also instructed officials to consult with teachers and associations before proposing the withdrawal of GO 117, which was reportedly introduced unintentionally by the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government, concerning school mergers.

The meeting also included a presentation of feedback collected by the School Education Director under the guidance of district collectors.

Lokesh discussed proposals for a new Teacher Transfer Act and strategies to reduce student dropouts.

He advocated for technological solutions to improve teaching and learning outcomes, including the development of a unified app for teachers to replace the multiple platforms currently in use.

To determine student enrollment and develop an AP Model of Education for public review, officials were instructed to expedite the integration of Apar IDs.

Reforms in the Department of Intermediate Education were also discussed.

Director V Vijay Ramaraju, School Education Secretary Collector Kona Sasidhar, and other key officials were present.