Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD) Nara Lokesh on Wednesday (April 1) directed officials to implement special coaching programmes for students in government junior colleges to help them secure top ranks in IIT and NEET examinations.

Addressing a review meeting held at his Undavalli residence with officials from the Intermediate, Higher Education and Skill Development departments, the Minister said that dedicated coaching centers should be established in four A.P. Residential Schools and four Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) in each region to provide intensive training.

The Minister expressed satisfaction over the progress of the “Akshara Andhra” programme, noting that over 24.7 lakh adults passed literacy exams this year, raising the literacy rate from 73% to 83%. He urged officials to aim for full literacy by next year.

In the skill development sector, 1.95 lakh individuals secured jobs, while over 6.8 lakh received training. Plans for skill centres, industry collaborations and a unified education platform were also reviewed to enhance employment opportunities and streamline education systems.