Govt Schools Not To Be Closed: Telangana Minister

Telangana Education Minister Jagadish Reddy on Friday said that the rationalisation of teachers in government schools should not be viewed as closure of schools.

Replying to a question raised by BJP MLA Dr K Lakshman and others during the Question Hour in the State Legislative Assembly, the minister admitted that a GO Ms No 6 dated 27.9.2014 had been issued for rationalisation of teachers.

He said that the decision was taken after holding talks with various teachers' associations in the State.

He cited instances where some schools had 10 teachers for only 20 students.

He said that as part of the rationalisation, surplus teachers were transferred to other schools, and some schools with fewer enrollments were being merged.

He assured that the government would take all measures to provide quality education to poor students.

However, not satisfied with the minister's reply, BJP members staged a walk-out from the House.

Earlier, participating in the discussion, BJP MLA G Kishan Reddy advised all legislators to focus on 3-4 schools in their constituencies and provide basic infrastructure.

He said that so far he had improved basic amenities in 17 government schools, and was currently working on 3 schools with a combined strength of nearly 1,400 students.

He said that the government alone should not be expected to provide KG-to-PG free education, and that all legislators should make their own contributions in this regard.

BJP MLA Chintala Ramchandra Reddy pulled up the government for the delay in the implementation of the FAST scheme.

He also criticised the government for not providing adequate funds for the KG-to-PG free education scheme.

BJP floor leader Dr Lakshman accused the government of trying to escape from its responsibility of providing basic amenities in government schools.

Congress MLA D K Aruna said that the shortage of teachers in government schools should be met with the appointment of Vidya Volunteers temporarily. She also demanded proper implementation of RTE in private schools.

MIM MLA Syed Ahmed Pasha Quadri alleged that Urdu medium schools were being neglected by the government. While many schools lacked basic facilities, a few others had been encroached upon by anti-social elements, he alleged.

Replying to these questions, Jagadish Reddy said that Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao was quite particular about improving the facilities in government schools, and therefore the State Government would take all measures in this regard.

He also reiterated that the KG-to-PG free education scheme would be launched soon.

Stating that the introduction of bio-toilets in government schools in Isnapur of the Medak district was successful, he said that the same project would be extended to other areas in the State.

He said that some proposals had been sent to the Centre seeking funds. (INN)