HYDERABAD: Even as the Government proposes to set up concept schools in every constituency for taking quality education to the rural areas, it has totally ignored Andhra Pradesh Residential Schools (APRSs), established in 1970s.

The schools that once were considered the jewels in the State's crown are now in a bad shape with crumbling buildings and poor facilities.

The schools at Sarvail in Nalgonda district, Tadikonda in Guntur district and Kodigenahalli in Anantapur district were established with the initiative of then Chief Minister and former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao to provide quality education for rural students.

Rural students from each region were admitted to these institutions based on the entrance test and provided education following the gurukula concept.

Not `sincere'

Toppers in the board exams belonged to these institutions. Impressed by their success, N.T. Rama Rao during his term established similar residential schools in every district.

However, in the last two decades, no effort had been made to promote the schools. "In this backdrop, concept schools' idea is devoid of sincerity," say academics.

"If the Government is sincere in providing quality education to underprivileged, it should first invest in the residential schools," says N. Narayana, general secretary of the Andhra Pradesh United Teachers' Federation.

"How can the Government justify its decision when it has ignored residential schools?" asks Venkat Reddy, president, Progressive Recognised Teachers' Union.

"The Government should first improve conditions in these schools," he says adding that if all vacancies are filled, similar quality education can be provided with very little cost.

The Government's reported decision to allow private parties to collect fee ranging from Rs.15,000 to Rs.25,000 in concept schools proves privatisation moves, say teachers.

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