Hans News Service Tirumala

Singaporehome minister K Shanmugam has offered to support Andhra Pradesh in strengthening its education system and adopting suitable practices from Singapore, while appreciating the reforms being pursued by the state government.

Shanmugam held discussions with education, IT and electronics minister Nara Lokesh at Tirumala on Tuesday on a range of issues, including education reforms, school dropouts, drug prevention, skill development and social security.

The Singapore minister said reducing school dropouts was crucial to protecting children from falling into drug abuse and other social problems.

He appreciated the steps being taken by the AP government to bring down the dropout rate and suggested that efforts should continue until it is reduced to zero.

Lokesh explained the education reforms being introduced by the coalition government and the measures being taken to improve the government school system. He also briefed Shanmugam on efforts to encourage students to shift from private schools to government schools.

Expressing interest in the initiatives, Shanmugam said he would like to visit government schools in the state. He also assured that Singapore would extend cooperation in strengthening the state’s education system and share relevant practices followed in the country.

Drug prevention was another key issue discussed by the two ministers. Shanmugam explained Singapore’s approach to tackling drug abuse and stressed the importance of strict laws and penalties.

They explored the possibility of linking Andhra Pradesh’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) with Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education (ITE). Shanmugam explained how ITE provides industry-oriented training based on employment requirements.

Before the discussions, Shanmugam and Lokesh offered prayers at the Tirumala temple. Shanmugam arrived in Tirumala on Monday night and was received by Lokesh. On Tuesday morning, the two ministers participated in Suprabhata Seva, Thomala Seva and Archana Seva and had darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy.

TTD executive officer Muddada Ravichandra, additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary and temple priests welcomed the ministers. After darshan, priests performed Vedaseervachanam for Shanmugam and Lokesh at the Ranganayakula Mandapam. Shanmugam also praised the arrangements made by the TTD. Recalling an earlier visit to Tirumala, he referred to a saying he had seen at the Executive Officer’s office — “It’s not the darshan that you want, it’s the darshan that he gives.”