Hyderabad: The Telangana government has cleared long-pending arrears and rolled out new welfare measures to strengthen education and support systems for SC, ST, and other marginalised groups. Minister for SC, ST, Religious Minorities, and Disabled Welfare Adluri Laxman Kumar announced the initiatives at a press conference in the Secretariat on Friday.
He said the government released ₹11 crore in arrears under the Tribal Welfare Department, bringing relief to staff who had faced months of delays. The state also disbursed ₹11.53 crore to pay contract, outsourced, and part-time employees of TGTWREIS for July–August 2025. In addition, it released ₹2.38 crore for subject associates, senior faculty, and games coaches, ₹22 lakh for head office staff, and ₹1.04 crore for sanitation, sweeping, and catering charges. Another ₹9 crore went towards clearing July–August dues.
Integrated schools, hostels, and kitchens launched
The Minister said construction had begun on 18 Young India Integrated Schools across constituencies, aimed at providing modern facilities for SC/ST students. He added that two pilot projects worth ₹24 lakh each were launched in Shaikpet and Dharmapuri to set up modern kitchens in welfare hostels. These facilities, he said, will ensure hygienic meals for students.
Furthermore, the government is planning a new SC hostel at Ashoknagar in Hyderabad to help aspirants preparing for competitive exams. CSR funds are also being mobilised to construct permanent school buildings in the city, supplementing state allocations.
Laxman Kumar criticised the previous BRS regime for investing in projects like Pragathi Bhavan while neglecting schools and hostels. “Earlier leaders never ate with students in hostels. Today, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy shares meals with them to show solidarity,” he said.
Monitoring, scholarships, and accountability stressed
The Minister urged the Union government to raise its share in scholarships and to increase funds for SC/ST welfare. He also announced that senior IAS officer Savyasachi Ghosh would directly monitor hostels as Special Secretary, ensuring stronger oversight and accountability.
Responding to allegations about Group-I examinations, he dismissed them as baseless and lacking evidence. He stressed that the government would never compromise on the future of children.
“Education and welfare of SC/ST students remain our top priority. I appeal to the opposition not to politicise their future but to contribute with constructive suggestions,” he said.
