AP to expand gurukuls institutions

Rs 100 crore allotted towards maintenance of hostels and residential schools

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday announced a 10 per cent increase in diet charges for students studying in government hostels and gurukul institutions, effective from the second quarter of the current financial year. He directed officials to implement the revised rates despite financial constraints. Reviewing the Welfare Department at the Secretariat, Naidu said students from BC, SC, ST and Minority communities should receive quality education comparable to the best private institutions. Although the Finance Department had suggested postponing the hike, the Chief Minister insisted it be implemented, saying education has the power to transform the lives of disadvantaged communities.

Naidu instructed officials to establish more gurukul institutions across the state and prioritise them over conventional hostels in future infrastructure projects. He also called for an assessment of adopting net-zero practices in residential schools and suggested developing gurukul campuses on the lines of biodiversity parks with modern facilities. To improve academic outcomes, the Chief Minister directed officials to set up special coaching centres for meritorious SC, ST, BC and Minority students preparing for higher education and competitive examinations. He also stressed recruiting the best teachers to provide quality coaching.

Naidu encouraged NRIs to adopt welfare hostels, strengthen alumni networks of hostels, residential schools, gurukuls and Ashram schools, and involve professionals in providing educational and medical services.

Emphasising that welfare should go beyond financial assistance, he directed effective implementation of schemes such as Social Advancement through Sustainable Knowledge and Infrastructure (SASKI), Poorvodaya and VB-G RAM G. He also urged promotion of horticulture crops, rubber, coffee and turmeric cultivation to enhance the incomes of weaker sections. Highlighting livelihood initiatives, Naidu said the government has provided reservations in liquor shops for traditional toddy tappers, quotas in quarries for the Vaddera community, and financial assistance to barbers, fishermen and handloom workers. He also directed construction of Anganwadi buildings under the VB-G RAM G scheme.