Hyderabad: The Telangana government proposes to introduce the 10+2 education system as part of its plans to revamp the state's education system. With the introduction of the new system, the existing intermediate education system will be discontinued.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed officials to take steps to introduce the new system from the next academic year, with the aim of improving educational standards and reducing dropout rates in the state.
At a high-level review meeting on the education department held at the MCRHRD Institute, the Chief Minister directed officials to restructure school education into three stages: primary education from nursery to Class 4, secondary education from Classes 5 to 8 and senior secondary education from Classes 9 to 12.
Revanth Reddy said the government was undertaking educational reforms to benefit students and provide quality education from nursery to university level, equipping them with the skills required to meet the demands of the modern world.
He said students should develop proficiency in languages and information skills by the time they complete Class 12. They should also have the opportunity to choose their preferred subjects after Class 12 and specialise in them.
The Chief Minister said around 40 per cent of students discontinue their education after Class 10, with girls and children from Dalit, tribal and minority communities accounting for a significant proportion. He pointed out that Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, which provide education up to Class 12, record very low dropout rates.
He said 18 states in the country already follow an education system up to Class 12 and clarified that the decision was taken in the interests of students. He assured that the service and retirement benefits of lecturers and non-teaching staff in junior colleges would not be affected.
Revanth Reddy said the government's objective was to develop government schools on a par with private educational institutions.
He directed officials to ensure that government schools were provided with the necessary infrastructure and facilities to deliver quality education.