In a significant step towards improving education in Telangana, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced the launch of 28 Young India Integrated Residential Schools across the state. This initiative, backed by a foundation-stone-laying ceremony, marks a critical move in addressing the state’s educational needs and challenging previous governments’ priorities.
Revanth Reddy Criticizes KCR’s Priorities
During the ceremony in Shadnagar, Revanth Reddy launched a strong critique against former Chief Minister and BRS leader K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR). He accused KCR of neglecting essential education infrastructure while spending enormous sums on party offices and the construction of the new Telangana Secretariat. According to Reddy, KCR’s focus on lavish expenditures left crucial sectors like education underfunded, with many schools in rural areas suffering from inadequate facilities.
Reddy highlighted that a proper upgrade of the state’s 1,023 residential schools would require an investment of Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 15,000 crore. However, he accused KCR of shutting down 5,000 government schools, implying that KCR’s administration intentionally neglected education to keep citizens from questioning government authority.
Bringing Together Communities through Education
One of the key pillars of Reddy’s vision is the promotion of integrated residential schools, where students from all castes and communities, including SCs, STs, BCs, and minorities, study together. He stressed the importance of unity in education, stating that segregating communities would only breed division. According to Reddy, when students from different backgrounds learn, play, and grow together, it fosters a spirit of brotherhood that is essential for societal harmony.
Historical Inspiration from PV Narasimha Rao
Reddy also paid tribute to former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, under whose leadership the first residential school in Telangana was established in Sarvail, Munugode, in 1971. The success of this school has produced many distinguished individuals, including former DGP M Mahender Reddy and education secretary Burra Venkatesham, proving the long-term benefits of investment in residential schooling.
Investment in School Infrastructure
The foundation stones for these 28 new integrated residential schools were laid in various constituencies, including Kodangal, Madhira, Nalgonda, Warangal, and Shadnagar. Each campus is planned to house 2,500 students, with modern facilities spread across 20 to 25 acres. This comprehensive approach reflects the government’s commitment to providing quality education to students from all backgrounds.
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka also echoed these sentiments at a separate ceremony in Laxmipuram, where he announced that the state government would allocate Rs 5,000 crore this year for constructing residential schools. These schools are expected to be operational by the next academic year, aiming to bridge the gap between government and private education by offering top-tier facilities.
Congress Government’s Focus on Egalitarian Education
Bhatti Vikramarka emphasized the Congress-led government’s dedication to creating an egalitarian society. He assured that the project would not result in the closure of existing SC, ST, minority, and general residential schools, but instead, the government would continue supporting these institutions by building permanent infrastructure. According to Vikramarka, the integrated schools represent the Congress’s vision of making education accessible to all, regardless of caste, religion, or economic background.
Addressing Concerns of the Opposition
Both Revanth Reddy and Bhatti Vikramarka addressed opposition concerns, dismissing negative remarks about the Congress government’s agenda. Bhatti, having himself been a product of government schooling, highlighted how the challenges he faced during his education inspired the design of the Integrated Residential School model. The Congress government has supported the initiative with a Rs 5,000 crore allocation for 2024 alone.
Educational Reforms and Infrastructure Development
In addition to the integrated residential schools, the government has taken several other steps to improve the state’s education system. These include promoting over 21,000 teachers who had been awaiting promotions for over a decade and ensuring the transparent transfer of more than 34,000 teachers. To further enhance school infrastructure, Rs 1,100 crore has been allocated to address basic issues like electricity and water supply, ensuring uninterrupted power for digital classrooms and computers.
State-of-the-Art Facilities for All Students
The new schools will boast modern amenities, including large playgrounds, a dining hall, an open auditorium, and dedicated cricket and football grounds. Bhatti Vikramarka stressed that no student should feel deprived of opportunities, whether in sports or academics. By providing state-of-the-art facilities, these integrated schools aim to level the playing field between government and private education, giving every student a chance to succeed.
A Landmark in Telangana’s Educational History
The foundation for all 30 schools was laid simultaneously across the state, reflecting the Congress government’s seriousness and commitment to the project. Revanth Reddy laid the foundation in Shadnagar, while Bhatti Vikramarka did the same in Govindapuram, Khammam, and other ministers and MLAs participated in their respective constituencies. This coordinated effort underscores the importance of education in the state’s development agenda.
A New Era for Telangana’s Education System
This comprehensive initiative aims to revolutionize Telangana’s education system by making quality education accessible to all students, regardless of their background. By investing in integrated residential schools, the Congress government seeks to create a future generation equipped to compete at a global level, bridging the gap between government and private schooling. As Telangana moves forward, the focus on education will be central to the state’s progress, building a brighter future for all.
