Andhra to introduce gender equality, value education curriculum in schools

As part of a significant educational reform, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu plans to incorporate gender equality, value education, and constitutional values into the curriculum.

The program aims to develop responsible, moral, and socially conscious citizens, aligning with recommendations from government advisor Chaganti Koteswara Rao.

Value education will be implemented at two levels, covering primary and secondary schools, as per directives from HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh.

The program will emphasize character development, social harmony, decision-making skills, emotional well-being, and civic responsibility.

The government aims to nurture a generation of students who are trustworthy, accountable, and compassionate by instilling strong moral values.

Promoting gender equality in schools will ensure that all students are treated with respect and given equal opportunities.

Schools will encourage students to break stereotypes and pursue interests and careers free from gender limitations.

Additionally, the program seeks to empower girls with leadership skills, create a safe and inclusive school environment, and reduce gender-based violence by fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Constitutional values will be integral to developing students into responsible citizens who uphold democracy, equality, and justice.

The new curriculum is expected to strengthen secularism, national unity, social justice, fundamental rights, and the idea of unity in diversity.

“These reforms mark a significant step toward holistic education in the state. By integrating value education, gender equality, and constitutional values into the curriculum, we aim to nurture responsible and socially conscious citizens,” said Vijay Rama Raju, Director of School Education.

To ensure vertical integration and demographic balance, the government is also reorganizing schools into 2,809 School Cluster Complexes using GIS mapping as part of these reforms.

Each cluster complex will serve as an academic hub, offering academic monitoring, resource sharing, teacher training, and efficient use of infrastructure.

The project will also enhance community involvement, ensuring better policy implementation.

“As part of this initiative, school cluster meetings will be held every third Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm, with participation from all government, aided, residential, and KGBV school teachers,” said MV Krishna Reddy, Director of the AP State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT).

Training sessions will be conducted in a blended format, utilizing digital infrastructure, and will include subject-specific videos created by SCERT. On these days, schools will close early after the midday meal.

To ensure successful implementation, inspecting officers from the School Education Department and Samagra Shiksha will oversee the meetings.