AP Govt teachers oppose Isha Vidya project

Chittoor: More than 3,000 government teachers have submitted a memorandum to the District Educational Officer (DEO), demanding the State government to cancel its contract with the Isha Foundation.

It may be recalled here that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had introduced the Isha Vidya, a pilot project, in 460 government schools in 2015 covering Kuppam, Gudipalli, Santipuram and Ramakuppam mandals under the limits of the Kuppam Assembly Constituency in order to improve the academic standards among students.

The foundation was expected to introduce innovative teaching methods in the government schools. But, teachers allege that the agreement did not serve the intended purpose. The project was extended from 460 government schools to 2,095 primary schools, 390 upper primary schools and 515 high schools in the last 3 years covering 1.5 lakh students. Government teachers were trained in various aspects of curriculum by Isha Foundation.

But, the teachers reportedly overburdened by the assignment. Various surveys have revealed that there was no benefit to students with the initiative. Speaking to The Hans India here on Thursday, DEO Pandu Rangaiah admitted that most of the teachers engaged in the Isha Vidya activity have represented to him to stop the implementation of the project in the government schools.

But, the government had extended the agreement by one more year. The DEO made it clear that the teachers should extend cooperation for the project for one more year. He stated that he would conduct a survey over the merits and demerits of the Isha Vidya in the district and submit a report to the District Collector shortly.