During the YSRCP rule, Andhra Pradesh became the first and only state in the country to embrace CBSE system for government schools on a large scale. The Chandrababu Naidu government has reversed this progress.
In a social media post on Monday, YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy posed four questions to the CM.
1. "You have once again demonstrated your anti-poor bias by canceling CBSE in government schools. This decision denies these students access to quality education. You as the Chief Minister and your son as the Education Minister are regressing government schools with these harmful policies. While you aim to provide the best education for your children, why discriminate against government school students? Should they be condemned to a life of mediocrity forever? What decisions are you making that will doom their futures?"
2. How reasonable is it to cancel the program aimed at transforming government schools when no one has cared for decades? The YSRCP government accomplished in five years what could not be achieved in your 14 years as Chief Minister. Initiatives like Naadu-Nedu, English medium, steps towards CBSE, IB, TOEFL, the introduction of subject teachers, interactive flat panels in classrooms starting from the 6th grade, distribution of tablets to 8th graders, education gifts, and the Goru Mudda daily menu were implemented. The YSRCP government introduced many programs to provide education that will change the lives of underprivileged children.
Now, under your rule, these programs are being canceled one by one. It appears that you and your son are conspiring to push government school children into private schools. Are private schools owned by your party leaders meant to be superior? Should government schools be rendered ineffective? Is that your intention? Why should parents have to spend from their own pockets to ensure a good education for their children? If not, what is the purpose of having multiple governments? When you were in opposition, you fought against the introduction of English medium in government schools, and people still remember how you went to court to block this initiative.
3. Are the children in our government schools and the teachers working in them worth less than nothing? They are all intelligent and capable. Furthermore, countless government teachers have passed competitive exams and are well-trained. Many of them are even more educated and articulate than those in private schools. You need to change your mindset of looking down on these individuals. What children need is self-confidence, proper training, and strong teaching. Teachers should be provided with motivation, encouragement, and orientation. Significant progress has been made in these areas over the last five years.
4. Why are you intentionally demoralizing and undermining them? Education is the only weapon that can eradicate poverty permanently. Avoid actions that will immediately cripple government schools. Instead, build upon and continue the reforms we have implemented. Don’t ruin the opportunity for government school children to receive a world-class education. Otherwise, you risk being seen as anti-poor and out of touch with history."
