Telangana’s Education Revolution: Young India Integrated Residential Schools to Transform Learning

HYDERABAD: In a major step towards revamping the education system, the Telangana government has announced the establishment of Young India Integrated Residential Schools, a new model of state-run institutions offering world-class education. Presenting the state budget for 2025-26 in the Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka stated that the government has sanctioned ₹11,600 crore to build 58 residential schools across the state. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between private and government education by providing top-tier academic and residential facilities for students from marginalized communities.

A Bold Initiative for Educational Transformation

The Young India Integrated Residential Schools will be built on 20 to 25-acre campuses, ensuring modern infrastructure and holistic development for students. These schools will provide:

• State-of-the-art infrastructure, including digital classrooms, sports fields, auditoriums, and advanced laboratories.
• Integrated learning opportunities for students from SC, ST, BC, and minority communities, fostering social unity and inclusivity.
• Completely free education, covering accommodation, meals, uniforms, books, and other essentials.
• Advanced coaching for competitive exams like IIT-JEE, NEET, and civil services, giving students an equal opportunity for prestigious careers.
• A focus on sports and extracurricular activities to ensure all-round development.

This project, inspired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision, aims to create equal educational opportunities for every child, irrespective of their background.

Addressing Long-Standing Issues in Government Schools

This initiative comes at a crucial time when many government residential schools in Telangana lack proper infrastructure. According to the budget speech:

• 662 out of 1,023 government residential schools do not have their own buildings.
• Many gurukuls face deficiencies in sanitation, classrooms, and hostel facilities.
• Academic standards in existing schools are poor, with outdated teaching methods.

The government is committed to rectifying these deficiencies by ensuring that Young India Integrated Residential Schools match or surpass the quality of private institutions.

Holistic Approach to Student Development

To go beyond traditional classroom education, the government has incorporated several key initiatives:

• Residences for teaching staff within school campuses to ensure continuous supervision and mentorship.
• Renewable energy solutions like solar and wind power, creating an eco-friendly learning environment.
• Enhanced mid-day meals and nutrition programs, with an increased diet budget for hostel students.
• Comprehensive sports and skill development programs, preparing students for diverse career paths beyond academics.

Aiming for Global Standards

Bhatti Vikramarka emphasized that these integrated residential schools will set a new benchmark for public education. To ensure international standards, the government has launched the Telangana Education Commission, which will oversee and enhance the education system.

With ₹23,108 crore allocated to education in the budget, the government’s focus on high-quality education for underprivileged students marks a historic shift in Telangana’s educational landscape. If successfully implemented, Young India Integrated Residential Schools could become a model for the entire country, ensuring that every child in Telangana receives quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background.