Andhra Pradesh hikes hostel, residential school diet charges by 10%; CM pushes for Gurukul expansion
The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a 10 per cent increase in diet charges for students studying in government hostels and residential schools (Gurukuls) from
The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a 10 per cent increase in diet charges for students studying in government hostels and residential schools (Gurukuls) from the second quarter of the current financial year, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Wednesday. The decision was taken during a review meeting of the welfare departments at the State Secretariat. Rejecting a proposal from the finance officials to postpone the hike until next year, Mr. Naidu said better nutrition for students from the disadvantaged section could not be delayed. Describing education as the foundation of social and economic empowerment, the Chief Minister said that students belonging to SC, ST, BC and minority communities should receive quality education, improved infrastructure and nutritious food.
“The aim is to transform conventional hostels into modern Gurukul institutions by ensuring that the academic standards and facilities are on par with corporate schools. The government will also provide ₹100 crore for maintenance and repairs of the hostels and residential schools,” Mr. Naidu said. Naidu directed officials to set up specialised coaching centres for meritorious Intermediate students to prepare them for IIT-JEE, NIT and NEET examinations, with experienced teachers and quality coaching. He directed the officials to align ITIs and polytechnic colleges with industry requirements to strengthen skill development and create dedicated medical wings to monitor the health of students living in hostels, Gurukuls and Ashram schools.
The Chief Minister urged officials to build strong alumni networks, encourage NRIs to adopt hostels and involve volunteers in educational and healthcare services. He said welfare should focus on creating sustainable livelihoods by integrating schemes with the P4 initiative and improving income opportunities for weaker sections. The officials informed the Chief Minister that welfare hostels had introduced smart card-based telephone facilities, enabling students to speak with their parents daily. Infrastructure works worth ₹120 crore, including RO drinking water plants and toilets under the SASKI (State Action for Safety and Security of Children/Individuals) programme, are in progress.
The toilet construction is expected to be completed by the end of this month. Ministers D.B.V. Swamy, S. Savitha, Gummadi Sandhya Rani, N.M.D. Farooq, Minority Welfare Advisor Mohammed Sharif and senior officials of welfare departments attended the review meeting.
The BriefWire