Educational Reforms for strengthening the existing Andhra Pradesh Educational system With an endeavor to enable and invigorate educational eco-system, Government of Andhra Pradesh is committed to bringing a paradigm shift in education system built on the foundational pillars of access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability.
Towards achieving this vision, the Government of Andhra Pradesh State realizes the dire need to introduce path-breaking reforms for strengthening the existing education system. In this regard, the government has decided to set up an Expert Committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the current status of education in the state and various programmes that are currently in operation and develop an appropriate education policy and strategy to improve the standard as well as the reach of all educational institutions in the state of AP in line with the National Policy.
Towards achieving this vision, the Government realizes the dire need to introduce path-breaking reforms for strengthening the existing education system. In this regard, the government has decided to set up an Expert Committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the current status of education in the state and various programmes that are currently in operation and develop an appropriate education policy and strategy to improve the standard as well as the reach of all educational institutions in the state of AP in line with the National Policy.
The Committee will comprise of the following experts:
I. Sri. N. Balakrishnan, Professor, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore –Chairman
II. Prof. Desai, Director, IIT, Hyderabad
III. Prof. Jandhyala B.G. Tilak, Former VC, National Institute of Educational Planning.
IV. Prof. (Mrs.) Nalini Juneja, NIEP & A, New Delhi
V. Dr. R. Venkata Reddy, M.V. Foundation, Hyderabad
VI. Smt. Sudha Narayana Murthy, Chairperson, Infosys Foundation
VII. Dr. N. Rajasekhar Reddy, Ex-VC, Higher Educational Council
VIII. Sri. S. Ramakrishnam Raju, Social Activist, Bhimavaram
IX. Sri. Aluri Sambasiva Reddy, Representative of Educational Institutions
X. Secretary/Principal Secretary, Department of School Education-Convener
XI. B.Eswaraiah, Enumulavaripalli Village, Rishi Valley
XII. D.V.R. K Prasad, Oakridge International School
The Terms-of-Reference of the Committee:
The primary objective of the Committee is to review and make recommendations regarding Regulation of fees charged by private educational institutions-both schools and colleges, monitor the standards of education and service conditions of private teachers/lecturers so as to develop State Education Policy. In this context, the committee will study the present status of educational institutions in the State.
The specific terms of reference of the committee are as follows:
I. Analyze the structural and functional dynamics of the existing education system of the State-duly considering public, private and government aided institutions-and recommend measures for strengthening the entire education system in an inclusive and equitable manner with due attention to increasing the quality of education.
II. To review the existing regulatory framework for all levels of education in the state and suggest measures for its improvement with a specific focus on fee regulation and teacher welfare.
III. Review the structure and function of various Departments under the Ministry of Education and recommend an integrated architecture that would ensure seamless synergistic management of all departments and programs through computerization and e-governance with due attention to transparency and efficiency.
IV. Suggest measures to reform educational institutions at all levels with a specific focus on infrastructure, availability and quality of human resource and develop a workable action plan for its sustainable implementation.
V. Analyze the final report of the Functional & Organizational Review conducted by the School Education Department as part of Badi Parivartana.
VI. Suggest measures for the implementation of K-12 system in School Education in view of the provision of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (MHRD, Government of India) and Draft National Education Policy-2019.
VII. Review the existing system of vocational education in the state and suggest measures for complete integration of vocational education within mainstream education at all levels.
VIII. Suggest measures to create conditions for knowledge generation through improved research and innovation facilities, quality and quantum of academic content in universities and colleges with due attention to the employability of students in tune with the requirement of the industry.
IX. Recommend measures to develop a comprehensive quality assurance mechanism for continuous evaluation of school and higher education with specific reference to accreditation.
X. Suggest measures for reforms in administration, strengthening academic and administrative supervision, restructuring of SCERT and other Teacher Education Institutes.
XI. Review the existing technology-based initiatives such as MOOCs, digital-virtual classrooms, etc. and suggest recommendations for further integrations of technology in all levels of education.
XII. Review and identify the financing requirements for promoting academic reforms, improving governance, infrastructure, institutional restructuring, and mobilizing resources.
XIII. Within six weeks of its establishment, the committee will identify and provide a list of ‘Quick Impact Projects’ that could be grounded promptly which would ensure the visible quality improvement of the education system within the academic year (2019- 2020).
XIV. The committee may undertake field visits, hold workshops, conduct focus ground discussions and interact with cross-section of the stakeholders before finalizing the report.
XV. The Chairman in consultation with its members may constitute sub-committees/task force to study the specific requirements of School Education and Higher Education to expedite the process
The Committee will submit its report within four(4) months from its first meeting, which will be convened by the Principal Secretary/Special Chief Secretary to Government, Department of School Education in consultation with the Chairperson. The Committee shall decide the methodology for its work and co-opt any specialist as deem appropriate.
While the Chairman will enjoy the status of Chief Secretary to Government, the Members will have the status of Principal Secretary for the purposes of travel and accommodation. The expenditure and Honorarium for the committee will be borne by the Department of School Education and Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education. The committee will have unfettered access to all information/staff/facilities of the Department of Education.
