Amaravati: Making it clear that education will remain his pet project, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy emphatically stated that education should be a service rather than a profit-making venture and that the State government would work diligently towards this end.

He made these remarks during the Collectors' Conference here on Monday. He promised to upgrade the infrastructure and the quality of the government-school education so as to dissuade parents from sending their children to private schools.

Stating that education was among his main priorities, he asked the officials to send pictures of the government schools under their jurisdiction so as to bring about a turnaround in the situation. While making English as a medium of instruction in the government schools, he also said Telugu would be made as a compulsory subject.

The State government would soon give away shoes to school children in addition to uniforms and books which are already being given. The quality of the midday meals would be enhanced further, he promised. "After infusing all these changes, no child should feel the need to go to a private school," the CM told the officials.

The Chief Minister also vowed that the State government would enforce the Right to Education Act in toto and would accordingly reserve 25 percent seats in private schools to poor children.

"Education is a service. It is not meant for making profits. No matter whoever sets up educational institutions, it should not become a business," he made it categorical.

'Amma Vodi to promote enrolment'

The Chief Minister said the illiteracy in the State was at 33 percent, more than the national figures. The idea of the particular programme was to lend a helping hand to the mothers who send their children to school, he informed.

Also Read:Amma Vodi Benefits For Underprivileged Kids In Private Schools Too

Also Read:Navaratnalu Manifesto Should Be Like Geeta, Bible and Koran, YS Jagan To Collectors

Also Read: Praja Vedika To Be Demolished: YS Jagan On Illegal Building