The day of introducing world-class International Baccalaureate (IB) syllabus in Andhra Pradesh government schools is not far, Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy said on Tuesday at a student felicitation programme here.
He made these remarks addressing students who topped school and intermediate education at various levels for the academic year 2022–23 under 'Jagananna Animuthyalu' toppers reward scheme.
"In the coming days, if God cooperates, we are planning to bring IB syllabus in government schools. That day of bringing International Baccalaureate syllabus in our government schools is near," the Chief Minister said in a video link.
Aimed at encouraging and celebrating meritorious students from government-run schools and junior colleges, the AP government has rolled out 'Jagananna Animuthyalu' (state brilliance awards), an elaborate recognition and felicitation framework that also includes monetary awards.
Starting with a cash award of Rs 5,000 and up to Rs 1 lakh, the Chief Minister presented SSC and intermediate toppers with a medal and a merit certificate under various categories.
Including the 68 SSC and intermediate students felicitated on Tuesday, 22,768 toppers will be felicitated altogether across the state under the scheme.
According to Reddy, the state is implementing several schemes to change the face of education to enable AP students not just to grow but also soar ahead.
These initiatives are aimed at making them not just follow the inventions and innovations of this world but emerge as leaders, he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted that for these changes to occur there should be a change in the quality of education and examinations as well.
Instead of making students learn by rote for the examination, Reddy noted that assessment patterns should evolve to global standards, incorporating pragmatism and analytical aspects like international examinations.
Further, the Chief Minister exhorted that every student should enter a school and come out with a degree and no child or mother should be indebted in this endeavour as initiatives such as government schemes will chip in to achieve this goal.
Reddy called on eligible students not to shy away from international admissions in up to 350 foreign colleges even if the tuition fees run up to Rs 1.25 crore, promising them that the state government will stand by them.
Though the poorest people study in government schools, the Chief Minister said there will come a day when all the people in the state "will see them rule the world".
-With PTI Input
