The Telangana government has announced an enhancement in the diet and cosmetic charges for students residing in welfare hostels and residential schools managed by the Scheduled Caste Development, Minority, Backward Class, and Women and Child Welfare Departments. The updated charges aim to address inflation and rising food costs, improving the quality of essential supplies provided to students. These revisions follow careful examination of the current market and inflation rates over recent years.
Background on Diet and Cosmetic Charges in Telangana Welfare Hostels
The original framework for diet and cosmetic charges for students in welfare hostels was established under various government orders dating back to 2008. These orders set the foundation for financial support for students of marginalized communities, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition and essential personal care items. Recent recommendations have highlighted the need for significant adjustments due to price increases in essential commodities like vegetables, grains, cooking oils, and gas.
Recent Review and Recommendations
In response to these economic changes, a committee of officials conducted a comprehensive review, considering both the price index and the increasing costs of food supplies over the last seven years. The committee compared average mess charges in other institutions, including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, to set fair and competitive rates. Based on their findings, a 40% enhancement in diet and cosmetic charges was recommended, which was subsequently approved by the government.
Revised Diet Charges for Telangana Welfare Hostels and Residential Schools
The new monthly diet charges have been structured to address the varying nutritional needs across different age groups. The revised rates are as follows:
- Class 1 to 7: Increased from ₹950 to ₹1,330 per month per student.
- Class 8 to 10: Increased from ₹1,100 to ₹1,540 per month per student.
- Intermediate to Post-Graduation: Increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100 per month per student.
These adjustments ensure that all students receive adequate dietary support, enabling them to focus on their studies and overall development.
Revised Cosmetic Charges for Telangana Welfare Hostels and Residential Schools
The cosmetic charges, which cover essential personal care items, have also been revised to ensure hygiene and self-care among students. The revised charges, categorized by gender and age, are as follows:
- Girls (Class 1 to 7): Increased from ₹55 to ₹175 per month.
- Girls (Class 8 to 10 and above 11 years): Increased from ₹75 to ₹275 per month.
- Boys (Class 1 to 7, including haircut charges): Increased from ₹62 to ₹150 per month.
- Boys (Class 8 to 10 and above 11 years, including haircut charges): Increased from ₹62 to ₹200 per month.
These changes reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of students from marginalized backgrounds by promoting better access to personal care resources.
Conclusion: Commitment to Student Welfare and Development
The enhancement of diet and cosmetic charges for welfare hostels and residential schools underscores Telangana’s dedication to supporting students from disadvantaged communities. By increasing these charges, the government aims to improve the living standards for students in its institutions, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals and essential personal care items. These changes represent a significant step towards addressing the rising costs of living and maintaining high-quality support for student welfare across the state.
