Union Minister for Urban Development and Information Broadcasting M. Venkaiah Naidu has said there is an urgent need to boost the quality of education and the academic standards in the country. <br/><br/>He said India used to be the seat of education for centuries in the world .The Union Minister inaugurated the South Zone Vice-Chancellors' Meet at Vignan University at Vadlamudi in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, being organised by the Association of Indian Universities. <br/><br/>More than 100 Vice Chancellors from various Universities across South India are taking part in the three-day meeting with the theme, Contributions of Universities – Universities to skilling, innovation and entrepreneurship. <br/><br/>The Union Minister also had an aerial survey of the flood affected Guntur district especially Pedakurapadu, Sattenapalli and Prattipati due to continuous downpour early this week. <br/>Later Mr. Venkaiah Naidu attended "meet and greet" programme in honour of him by the BJP cadres held at Tenali town in the district.<br/><br/>Speaking on the occasion he explained the circumstances under which the State was divided and how the NDA government was hapless in extending Special Category Status (SCS) in the changed scenario after the 14th Finance Commission has ruled out according SCS to any state.<br/><br/>However, he assured that the Centre will take care of the needs and aspirations of people of Andhra Pradesh fully extending more help and benefits than the SCS could offer.