Hyderabad: Focus on Youth and Education
“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders,” said Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, highlighting the Congress party’s commitment to supporting education. Speaking from Chilkur, he criticized the previous government for neglecting the education sector and government residential institutions. He launched the Uniform Diet Programme for social welfare residential schools, addressing recent cases of food poisoning that he attributed to past negligence. Moving forward, officials and public representatives will ensure students receive quality and nutritious food.
Student Participation in Monitoring Food Quality
To ensure food quality, Revanth Reddy announced the formation of a “mess management committee” that will include students. This committee will monitor food quality daily. During his visit to the Social Welfare Residential School in Chilkur, Moinabad, the Chief Minister emphasized his intent to conduct surprise visits to schools during district tours. He warned officials that strict action would be taken against anyone failing in their duties.
Commitment to Revamping Government Schools
Revanth Reddy reiterated the government’s dedication to transforming government schools in Telangana. He pointed out the disparity between private and government schools, noting that private institutions enroll over 23 lakh students. The Chief Minister questioned why government schools are unable to produce equally talented students, despite having qualified teachers. “Education spending is not an expenditure; it’s an investment for the future,” he said, calling for advance planning to address these issues and find lasting solutions.
Honoring Legacy and Uplifting Marginalized Students
The Chief Minister credited former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao for introducing the concept of residential schools in the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh. He noted that many students from these schools have gone on to become IAS and IPS officers. Revanth Reddy stressed that the state government is committed to instilling confidence among students from SC, ST, BC, and minority communities. He vowed to reform the education system, raise standards, and ensure better facilities for students.
Historic Increases in Support for Students
Revanth Reddy highlighted significant increases in funding for student diet and cosmetic charges. Diet charges were raised by 40%, and cosmetic charges by 200%, the first such hike of its kind in the country. He explained that these changes account for rising costs and the challenges faced by students. Additionally, he instructed officials to release funds to Gurukul schools via the green channel by the 10th of each month, ensuring timely support for these institutions.
