AP to set up 6,000 residential schools by 2013

Hyderabad, Oct 5 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today said about 6,000 elite residential schools would be set up in the state at a cost of about Rs 30,000 crore in the next six years to impart best of talent to students.

In the first phase, about 700 residential schools would be set up this year, he said while taking part in the World Teachers Day celebrations here.

Urging corporates and philanthropists to contribute for starting these novel rural residential schools offering education in Central syllabus in English medium, he made it clear that the government would not shirk its responsibility of improving the education standards in government schools, on which over 80 per cent of the students still relied upon.

He said the setting up of Jawahar Knowledge Centres (JKCs) in the state for providing training to students to improve their prospects of getting employment, had provided rich dividends. About 80 per cent students trained by JKCs were absorbed by leading multi-national companies. Fifty more JKCs would be started this year, he said.

The Chief Minister distributed awards to 230 best teachers and lecturers working in schools, junior colleges, polytechnics, degree colleges and universities.

UNI