In Hyderabad, the Best Available Schools Management Association (BASMA) is urging the state to clear overdue funds by June 20. At a recent meeting, they pointed out that 237 Best Available Schools (BAS) in Telangana serve Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. These schools, spread across 33 districts, currently educate about 2,500 students. The government started this program 30 years ago to help disadvantaged students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend school. Some come from families affected by the Jogini system and agricultural labor backgrounds.
Kesa Veeranna, BASMA’s president, and Yadagiri Sekhara Rao, the general secretary, explained that only budget schools admit students under this scheme aimed at SC and ST children. Unfortunately, corporate schools do not participate.
The government spends Rs 1.5 lakh per student in residential schools and Rs 50,000 for day scholars. However, under this scheme, budget schools receive only Rs 42,000 for hostel students and Rs 28,000 for day scholars. The delay in funds creates financial stress for these schools despite their support.
In the 2024-25 school year, around 3,000 BAS students took their Class 10 exams, with an impressive 98% passing rate. Additionally, 25% scored 500 marks or more.
BASMA representatives have been in touch with several ministers about the dues, but their efforts have not succeeded. Schools reopened on June 12, yet the funds remain unreleased, complicating the schools’ ability to accept new students under the scheme.
The association insists the pending funds be released by June 20. They assure parents and students that new admissions in budget schools will commence only after receiving the necessary funds from the government.
