Deputy CM, Ministers Uttam & Komatireddy lay foundation for integrated school in Gaddipalli
Hyderabad: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasised that integrated residential schools would transform Telangana’s education system, providing students a competitive advantage at the national level. He was speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Young India Integrated Residential School in Gaddipalli, Huzurnagar constituency, Suryapet district, on Sunday, along with Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu and Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy.
Uttam Kumar Reddy described the initiative as a progressive step towards offering high-quality, English-medium education with state-of-the-art facilities for students from diverse social categories, including SC, ST, BC, minorities, and general sections. He reiterated the Congress-led state government’s pledge to establish integrated schools in each district. These schools, accommodating students from Grades 4 to 12, will feature residential facilities for teachers, ensuring comprehensive support for students. The Gaddipalli school, with a budget of Rs 200 crore, is the first of its kind and will serve as a model for future institutions across the state.
Further, Minister Uttam outlined student welfare measures, detailing recent increases in allowances that had remained unchanged under the previous BRS administration. For students in welfare hostels, meal allowances have been raised from Rs 950 to Rs 1,330 per month for Grades 3 to 7, and from Rs 1,100 to Rs 1,540 for Grades 8 to 10. Students from intermediate to postgraduate levels will now receive Rs 2,100 monthly, an increase from Rs 1,500, and cosmetic allowances for Grades 8 to 10 have been raised from Rs 55 to Rs 175.
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Highlighting the government’s commitment to welfare education, Uttam Kumar Reddy revealed that the Congress administration has allocated Rs 5,000 crore for residential schools this year, a significant increase from the previous government’s Rs 70 crore allocation. He stated that this substantial funding underscores the government’s dedication to empowering underprivileged communities through public welfare.
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy also spoke about the arrangements made for paddy procurement across Telangana. He noted that the state achieved a record paddy production of 150 lakh metric tonnes and that the state government has implemented extensive procurement measures. To further support farmers, in addition to the Centre’s MSP, the Congress government will provide a Rs 500 bonus per quintal for fine paddy.
He announced that, beginning Sankranti in January 2025, the Congress government will distribute free fine rice to white ration card holders statewide. This scheme will benefit 30.5 lakh ration card holders, providing each eligible household with six kilograms of fine rice per person monthly. Addressing the community in Gaddipalli, Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed gratitude for their support, referring to them as family members. He reaffirmed the Congress government’s commitment to its welfare promises for a prosperous Telangana.
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, also present at the event, highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects and welfare initiatives. He announced the resumption of the SLBC (Srisailam Left Bank Canal) tunnel project, which had been stalled under the previous administration, with completion targeted within 20 months to address long-standing irrigation needs. Additionally, he confirmed that approvals for the Yadadri Power Plant have been accelerated, resuming work on a crucial energy project for Telangana.
Praising Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and the Cabinet, Bhatti noted that officials are working up to 18 hours daily to build a progressive and inclusive Telangana. He listed other welfare schemes such as Aarogyasri, which provides free healthcare up to Rs 10 lakh per family, and a Rs 18,000 crore debt waiver for farmers, as testaments to the government’s commitment to public welfare over private interests.
Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy applauded Uttam Kumar Reddy for selecting Gaddipalli as the site for the integrated school and announced the construction of a two-lane road to improve connectivity to the school. He added that the Congress government is upgrading all schools with enhanced infrastructure and facilities, ensuring better educational environments for students.
