Hans News Service Rajamahendravaram

EastGodavari district collector Kirti Chekuri has stressed the urgent need for a shift in teaching methodologies to address the decline in students' comprehension and learning abilities following the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking at a meeting held on Thursday at the Science Park conference hall, which covered a broad agenda ranging from educational reforms to economic development, she noted that students, particularly those in Classes 1 to 3, are struggling with foundational skills such as basic subtraction, multiplication, and addition.

A noticeable gap has also been observed in primary reading and writing skills. The collector said that teachers and schools should not be held solely responsible for this trend. She attributed the decline to a combination of factors, including the long-term impact of the pandemic and the home environment.

"When a student loses confidence in their early years, it creates a domino effect on their future education. It is vital to foster a creative teaching environment that restores their self-belief," the collector stated. The government’s GSL initiative aims to enhance conceptual understanding among students in Classes 1 to 5, she added.

The meeting also reviewed the Annual Credit and Livelihood Plan (ACLP). The collector set a goal to create at least one entrepreneur in every village. In the Banking & MSMEs section, discussions were held on securing bank support for the establishment of 500 units under the PMEGP and PMFME schemes.

She also reviewed the performance of Mandal Samakhyas and directed officials to focus on providing specialised training to DRDA (District Rural Development Agency) staff to streamline livelihood projects.

The meeting saw the participation of several key officials, including Y Satyam Naidu, Additional Project Director, DRDA, K Vasudeva Rao, District School Educational Officer, S Subhashini, Project Director, SSA, DV Prasad, Lead Bank Manager and others. Representatives from the District Federation Kandikatla Aruna Kumari, Dokku Lakshmi Parvathi, and Sheikh Fatima also attended.