Latest news with #StateEducationDepartment
Hans India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Concern over fall in enrolment in sarkari schools across State
Hyderabad: The Project Approval Board meeting for Samagra Shiksha in Telangana focused on discussing the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B) for the years 2025-26 between the Central and Telangana State education officials. The Central officials expressed concerns over the increasing number of students leaving the government schools and joining the private schools. The Central official pointed out that according to the enrollment data from government schools as per UDISE+, 'out of 42,901 schools in the State, 70 per cent (30,022) are government schools, while 28.26 per cent (12,126) are unaided schools. However, the total enrollment in government schools is only 38.11 per cent, equating to 27.8 lakh students, compared to 60.75 per cent or 44.31 lakh students enrolled in unaided schools.' The State officials were told that the enrollment trends from 2018-19 to 2023-24 indicate that during 2021-22 (Covid-19) affected enrollments in unaided schools, which have been steadily increasing. The Union Secretary (SE&L) expressed concern that despite significant funding and expenditure, enrollment in government schools has been declining. The State Education Department is asked to conduct a thorough analysis of the root causes to implement remedial actions and reverse this trend. The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) and Net Enrollment Ratio (NER) for 2023-24 are better when compared to previous years at the Primary, Upper Primary, Elementary, and Secondary levels. However, both ratios remain lower at the Higher Secondary level. The State was advised to take initiatives such as district-wise data analysis to reduce the gap between GER and NER at all levels, particularly at secondary and higher secondary levels. It was also suggested that children who fail in grades 10 and 12 need to be tracked to ensure they are admitted to appropriate educational opportunities, like the National Open Schooling mode. Regarding dropout and transition rates, the average annual dropout rate in 2023-24 decreased across all levels compared to the previous year. However, a drop of 5 percentage points was noted in the transition rate from Secondary to Senior Secondary levels. The educational officials were asked to develop a plan to upgrade schools that currently stop at class 10 to accommodate classes up to 12, which may help address the dropout issue. In terms of school size and single-teacher schools, the number of schools with zero enrollments has increased compared to the previous year. Similarly, the number of single-teacher schools, as well as those with fewer than 15 and 30 enrollments, has also risen in 2023-24. Thus, it a recommended to conduct a district-wise rationalization exercise to address these concerns adequately. The Gross Access Ratio (GAR) for Primary, Upper Primary, and Secondary levels is 98.34 and 91.84, respectively. The state was advised to examine the GAR at the Senior Secondary level, which are only 64.23. On the inclusive education front, only 1 per cent of the total students are Children with Special Needs (CwSN). However, the representation in pre-primary to Class 4 is less than 1 per cent. The state is urged to pay special attention to their enrollment from class 1 and support their education through class XII. Vacancies in Teacher Education Institutions, such as SCERT and DIETs, have decreased in 2024-25 compared to the previous year. However, more than 50 percent of vacancies in DIETs remain a concern. The state government is asked to address the issue of teacher vacancies both at schools and in TEIs. The state was told that 'out of 38 schools sanctioned under NSCBAV (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Avasiya Vidyalaya), five are not functional.' The State can either make these positions functional or, if it is not feasible, consider surrendering them. The Central education officials pointed out that there are also significant delays in establishing ICT labs and smart classrooms, and substantial pendency in setting up skill education laboratories. The state is requested to reevaluate the existing job roles in light of changing job market needs. Regarding fund utilisation from 2020-21 to 2024-25, it ranges from 69 per cent to 92.33 percent of the total available funds. The state is urged to aim for 100 per cent funds utilisation by developing comprehensive plans to complete the pending infrastructure projects, for better utilisation of approved non-recurring funds.
Hans India
06-05-2025
- Hans India
Nagarkurnool tops State in AI-based learning
Nagarkurnool: For achieving 100% online registration in AI-based classroom teaching across 22 selected schools, Nagarkurnool district has emerged as the best-performing district at the state level. In recognition of this achievement, the State Education Department's Principal Secretary, Yogita Rana, felicitated Nagarkurnool District Educational Officer (DEO) Ramesh Kumar with a shawl and memento during the DEOs' meeting held in Hyderabad recently. As part of the government's pilot project launched last academic year, 22 schools from the district were selected to implement Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted teaching for students of classes 3, 4, and 5. A total of 285 students were registered online with 100% implementation success. Alongside Nagarkurnool, other districts such as Ranga Reddy, Karimnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, and Kamareddy also successfully implemented AI-enabled teaching with full student participation. DEOs from these districts were also appreciated and felicitated by Rana. Speaking on the occasion, Ramesh Kumar appreciated the efforts of sectoral officers, mandal education officials, headmasters, and schoolteachers who contributed to the success. He encouraged teachers to plan for expanding AI-based teaching to more schools in the upcoming academic year. He added that AI-based learning has significantly improved the academic abilities of students in government primary schools, especially enhancing their reading skills
Hans India
05-05-2025
- Science
- Hans India
Nagarkurnool District Tops State in AI-Based Learning – DEO Ramesh Kumar Felicitated by Principal Secretary Yogita Rana
Nagarkurnool: District Tops State in AI-Based Learning – DEO Ramesh Kumar Felicitated by Principal Secretary Yogita RanaNagar kurnool: For achieving 100% online registration in AI-based classroom teaching across 22 selected schools, Nagarkurnool district has emerged as the best-performing district at the state level. In recognition of this achievement, the State Education Department's Principal Secretary, Yogita Rana, felicitated Nagarkurnool District Educational Officer (DEO) Ramesh Kumar with a shawl and memento during the DEOs' meeting held on Sunday in Hyderabad. As part of the government's pilot project launched last academic year, 22 schools from the district were selected to implement Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted teaching for students of classes 3, 4, and 5. A total of 285 students were registered online with 100% implementation success. Alongside Nagarkurnool, other districts such as Ranga Reddy, Karimnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, and Kamareddy also successfully implemented AI-enabled teaching with full student participation. DEOs from these districts were also appreciated and felicitated by Yogita Rana. Speaking on the occasion, DEO Ramesh Kumar appreciated the efforts of sectoral officers, mandal education officials, headmasters, and school teachers who contributed to the success. He encouraged teachers to plan ahead for expanding AI-based teaching to more schools in the upcoming academic year. He added that AI-based learning has significantly improved the academic abilities of students in government primary schools, especially enhancing their reading skills in Telugu and their proficiency in mathematics. He noted that AI-driven lessons have impressed parents and students alike, and expressed hope that student enrollment in government schools will increase as a result of this initiative.
Hans India
05-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Junior college education in troubled waters?
Hyderabad: Does the State Education Department Struggle to Regulate Intermediate and Higher Secondary Education Institutions in the State? The current situation suggests that education for Classes XI and XII, which falls under three regulatory boards and various legal regulations, is causing difficulties for the State Education Department. They are facing an increasing number of complaints from parents and students regarding exploitation. According to sources in the Telangana Board of Intermediate Education (TGBIE), it is the responsibility of the State Education Department to issue 'No Objection Certificates' to educational institutions to commence the two-year intermediate course. The junior colleges that are affiliated with the TGBIE manage these courses. Additionally, Class XI and XII secondary and senior secondary courses are regulated by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), which oversee courses from Class X to XII. Moreover, the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) administers the IB Diploma Programme for students aged 16 to 19 years internationally. The junior colleges affiliated with the TGBIE operate as standalone private junior colleges where students primarily study as day scholars. In contrast, corporate junior colleges offer intermediate courses alongside residential hostels. In response to numerous complaints, the TGBIE invoked the Telangana Education Act of 1982, which defines an educational institution as 'a recognised school, college, special institution, or other institution that includes an orphanage or boarding home or hotel attached to it, by whatever name called.' The act covers management that conducts activities related to imparting education. However, it explicitly excludes tutorial institutions. The TGBIE's guidelines for regulating hostels attached to corporate junior colleges have faced challenges, as private corporate junior colleges have contested these norms in court, arguing against requirements such as minimum square footage and mandatory caution deposits and fixed deposits. Speaking to The Hans India, a senior official from the State Education Department pointed out that corporate junior colleges want their hostels to be excluded from the jurisdiction of the TGBIE. However, the board reached its decision following a rise in complaints about unhealthy conditions faced by students, including increased academic pressure and a spate of suicide incidents that have drawn significant public concern. Furthermore, corporate junior colleges affiliated with the state board also conduct coaching activities for exams such as JEE, NEET, CS, ICWA, and CA. While students attend these coaching classes, their attendance is recorded under the junior colleges, which exist primarily to facilitate students in taking annual board examinations. These colleges charge exorbitant fees, ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per year, covering regular intermediate courses, coaching, hostel, transport, and mess charges. However, because coaching activities do not fall under the TGBIE's purview, the official stated that the board cannot take action against the non-compliant corporate junior colleges.
The Star
25-04-2025
- Health
- The Star
Two schools in Kinabatangan closed temporarily amid HFMD cases
KOTA KINABALU: The State Education Department has ordered two primary schools in the Kinabatangan district to be temporarily closed following the detection of multiple cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) among pupils there. The affected schools are Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Kota Kinabatangan and SK Paris 3. Both institutions would remain closed from April 22 until April 29 to facilitate disinfection and containment efforts. Sabah Education Department director Datuk Raisin Saidin said the closure was based on instructions from the Health Ministry. 'This temporary closure is a precautionary step. We are working closely with health authorities to monitor the situation and take immediate action where necessary,' he said. Kinabatangan District Education Officer Dr Dalmansa Tahil said home-based learning (PdPR) would be implemented for both schools throughout the closure. 'There is no need for panic. Teaching will continue online until it is safe to return,' he said. HFMD is a contagious viral infection that commonly affects children aged five and below, though older children can also be infected. It is spread through contact with saliva, nasal discharge, faeces and fluid from blisters of infected individuals. Symptoms include fever, painful mouth sores and rashes or blisters on the hands and feet.
