The Telangana state government has announced a new initiative to improve education in government schools, which have been struggling for decades. To bring these schools up to global standards, the government will introduce Young India Integrated Residential Schools and revamp the existing education system.
During the budget presentation for the 2025-26 financial year, State Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka revealed that Telangana has 1,023 government residential schools. However, 662 of these schools do not have their own buildings. Many of these institutions operate with minimal resources, lack proper toilets, and accommodate hundreds of students under inadequate conditions. Although different special residential schools exist for various communities, there is no uniformity in educational standards or infrastructure.
The proposed Young India Integrated Residential Schools aim to provide not only academic education but also overall development for students. These schools will support the mental and physical growth of children, regardless of their caste, religion, or economic background. By bringing together students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Classes (BC), minority, and other communities, the initiative aims to ensure equal education opportunities and promote social unity.
To achieve this, the government has approved a budget of ₹11,600 crore for the establishment of 58 Young India Integrated Residential Schools across the state. The goal is to set up at least one such school in every constituency. These schools will be built on land parcels ranging from 20 to 25 acres to ensure ample space for academic and extracurricular activities.
The new schools will be designed to offer education that matches private school standards. They will be equipped with modern facilities such as auditoriums, dining halls, digital classrooms, and sports fields, including dedicated cricket and football grounds. To ensure proper supervision and support, residential quarters for teachers will be built within the school premises.
Sustainability will also be a key focus, with the schools making extensive use of wind and solar energy. Students will receive free accommodation, meals, uniforms, notebooks, textbooks, and other essential supplies. Additionally, special coaching will be provided to prepare students for competitive exams like IIT-JEE, NEET, and other entrance tests. Equal attention will be given to sports, arts, and competitions to help students develop physical and mental resilience.
To further support students’ well-being, the government has increased diet charges by 40% and cosmetic charges by 200% in all gurukuls, welfare department hostels, and Kasturba Gandhi Girls’ Schools across the state. This move aims to provide balanced nutrition for students’ physical and mental health.
