Amaravati: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has said that education is a key to alleviate poverty

Amaravati: Expressing a firm resolve to reform the education system and to go ahead with the introduction of English medium from primary level, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has said that education is a key to alleviate poverty.

Some vested interests had tried to block the introduction of English medium from Class 1 to 6, the CM said the government had moved the Apex Court in this regard. Addressing a brainstorming session on education under "Our Governance and Your Suggestion" programme here on Wednesday, Jagan said that a survey was conducted among the parents regarding English medium teaching and 94 per cent gave their nod for the same.

Another survey also proved that out of the parents of 40 lakh students, 96 % said that they wanted to send their children to English medium schools. The SCERT had suggested that one Telugu medium school per mandal would be a good option. "We will explore all options and will decisively go ahead with the English medium as poverty can be fought only with education," he said.

"There could be some teething problems but we are ready to face the challenges. We are giving training classes to teachers and bridge course to children.

Very soon, we can see children passing out completing Board exams in the natural course, he said. These reforms have stemmed from the agony of parents and children who have shared with me during my 14 month 3,648 km padayatra where I have seen schools in dilapidated condition, children not getting books even in the month of October, ayaas not getting pay and pending provisions bills for eight months or more. The grief of a father, Gopal, who has shown the photo of his child who committed suicide as he was convinced that the parent cannot pay his second year Engineering fees has moved me very much," he said.

The incentivizing began with Amma Vodi where Rs 15,000 would be credited to the mother's account for sending her children to school. In January, around 43 lakh mothers were given Rs 6,350 crore under the scheme benefiting about around 82 lakh children from Class 1 to Class 12. He referred to the increased salaries of the supporting staff of the school, Jagannana Goru Mudda, YSR Kanti Velugu programme and Nadu Nedu to emphasize on the commitment of the government to the welfare of the people.