Under the new system, schools will offer education from nursery to Class 12, integrating Intermediate education with school education. At present, schools generally offer classes up to Class 10, while junior colleges provide Intermediate education in Classes 11 and 12.
Revanth Reddy announced the decision during a review meeting with education department officials at MCRHRDI on Wednesday. He directed officials to complete the necessary preparations for implementing the new system.
The Chief Minister said the reforms aimed at improving the quality of education from nursery to university level and preparing students to compete in the modern world. He proposed dividing school education into three stages — primary education from nursery to Class 4, secondary education from Classes 5 to 8 and senior secondary education from Classes 9 to 12.
He said students should develop proficiency in language and communication skills by the time they complete Class 12, enabling them to pursue subjects of their choice and specialise in their areas of interest.
The Chief Minister expressed concern over the increasing dropout rate after Class 10 under the existing Intermediate system, particularly among girls and students from Dalit, tribal and minority communities.
He said dropout rates were considerably lower in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, where students continued their education up to Class 12.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the system of providing education up to Class 12 was already being implemented in 18 states.
Revanth Reddy assured that the employment and retirement benefits of lecturers and non-teaching staff working in government junior colleges would not be affected by the proposed changes.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to discontinue the operation of welfare hostels and residential schools in rented buildings and construct permanent facilities with adequate infrastructure. He assured that the required funds would be released. He instructed officials to ensure toilets and adequate water supply in all schools, hostels and residential schools.
Reviewing the Young India Integrated Residential Schools (YIIRS) project, Revanth Reddy directed engineering officials to expedite construction and complete the projects within the stipulated deadlines.
He asked officials to select reputed agencies for landscaping, interior design and procurement of digital equipment, sports gear and kitchen facilities, without compromising on quality.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the construction of schools under the Hyderabad Core Urban Region (CURE) initiative and expressed satisfaction over the progress. He directed officials to focus on locations where construction had not yet begun.
Reviewing technical education, Revanth Reddy said the conversion of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into Advanced Training Centres (ATCs) had increased student enrolment. He stressed the need to ensure employment opportunities for all students completing training.
He directed officials to expedite the release of funds for upgrading polytechnic colleges and bring any departmental hurdles to his notice.
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to accelerate recruitment of assistant professors, associate professors and other faculty members in universities. He directed the chairman of the Council of Higher Education and university vice-chancellors to pay special attention to recruitment and ensure strict compliance with the prescribed regulations.
