Hyderabad: The state government has announced a 'Diwali gift' for over seven lakh students studying in social welfare hostels across the state.
The government has decided to increase the diet and cosmetic charges for students in all special welfare hostels, including SC, ST, BC, minority hostels, and Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGSWREIS) hostels.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy approved the recommendations made by the Officers Committee to raise these charges.
For students in grades 3 to 7, the diet charges have been increased from Rs 950 to Rs 1,330. There are 2,77,877 students in this category.
For students in grades 8 to 10, the diet charges have been raised from Rs 1,100 to Rs 1,540. Around 2,59,328 students in this group will benefit from the increase.
For students in grades 11, 12, and those pursuing post-graduation, the diet charges have been increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100. There are 2,28,500 students in this category. Altogether, 7,65,705 students will benefit from these changes.
The cosmetic charges for girl students in grades 3 to 7 have been increased from Rs 55 to Rs 175. For girls in grades 8 to 10, who are above 11 years old, the charges have been raised from Rs 75 to Rs 275.
For boy students above 11 years and studying in grades 8 to 10, the cosmetic charges have been enhanced from Rs 62 to Rs 200.
Officials stated that a total of 7,65,705 students will benefit from the increase in both diet and cosmetic charges.
