AP passes key bills for implementation of RTE Act

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly Monday passed two Bills intended to improve the standard of education in the State.

The bills were passed for establishing the AP School Education Regulatory and Monitoring Commission and AP Higher Education Regulatory and Monitoring Commission in line with the objectives of the draft National Policy on Education, 2019 and Right to Education Act, 2009.

Chief Minister Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, who termed the Bills "historic", said his government aimed at bringing about comprehensive changes in the education system in the State to make education a right for the poor and middle class families.

"Be it the parents or the government, the only inheritance we could give the children is education only," the Chief Minister told the Assembly during the discussion on the Bills.

Through education, children could come out of poverty, Jagan noted.

A retired judge of the High Court, appointed by the Chief Justice, would head the Commissions that would have 11 members each, including national experts in the field of education.

Highlighting the objectives of the proposed legislation, Education Minister Audimulapu Suresh said, "equity, quality, accessibility and affordability are critical towards fulfilling the objectives and the larger vision for school and higher education in the state."