Model primary schools should not undermine existing institutions, caution UTF leaders

Model primary schools should not undermine existing institutions, caution UTF leaders. Calling for due diligence while introducing reforms, they say that upper primary schools, with a strength of above 60, should either be upgraded into high schools or be allowed to continue in their present form. Inordinate delay in payment of dues to employees and teachers a cause for concern, they say.

Progressive Democratic Front (PDF) MLC K. S. Lakshman Rao on Sunday said the government should exercise due diligence while introducing reforms in the primary education sector.

Speaking at a State conference organised by members of the A.P. United Teachers’ Federation (UTF), as part of their decision to conduct similar meetings across the State, Mr. Lakshman Rao said nobody was opposed to reforms in the primary education system.

“But there is disagreement on certain components between us and the government,” he said.

Mr. Lakshman Rao said as per the government decision to establish a model primary school in every panchayat, 13,325 such schools would have to be set up with five classrooms and five teachers, besides all other facilities for each institution.

Should there be budget constraint, the government should establish them in a phased manner. But the move should not negatively impact the existing schools, he cautioned, demanding that the upper primary schools, with a strength of above 60 students, should either be upgraded into high schools or be allowed to continue in their present form.

He also demanded reduction of workload on teachers, especially on account of multiple apps.

UTF State president N. Venkateswarlu said upper primary schools that had a strength of above 60 students in Classes 6, 7 and 8, should be upgraded into high schools, and those with a student strength of below 60 should be allowed to continue. School Assistants should be appointed to teach students of Classes 6, 7 and 8 in the upper primary schools.