District Officials Launch Uniform Diet Program at Social Welfare Hostel
On Saturday, the District Collector B.M. Santosh and District Superintendent of Police (SP) Srinivasa Rao attended the Uniform Diet Program as chief guests at the Social Welfare Integrated Boys Hostel in Gadwal. The event started with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the release of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) handbook.
The District Collector spoke about the government’s efforts to ensure students receive nutritious and tasty meals through a standardized food plan. He announced that the monthly diet allowance per student had been increased from ₹1,100 to ₹1,540. This initiative aims to support underprivileged students by providing better nutrition, helping them focus on their education, and improving their future opportunities.
Encouraging students, the Collector advised those aspiring to become doctors or civil servants, such as IAS and IPS officers, to attend school regularly, make full use of government-provided facilities, and maintain 100% attendance. He assured that the government is working to equip public schools with facilities comparable to those of private institutions.
The Collector also highlighted recent infrastructure improvements, including ₹12.60 lakh spent on repairing school toilets. He urged students to aim for a perfect 10/10 GPA in their board exams and announced special evening classes for Class 10 students. He appealed to parents to value education, send their children to school, and take advantage of government resources.
District SP Srinivasa Rao praised the Telangana government’s commitment to improving students’ nutrition, especially for those from marginalized communities. He pointed out that for the first time in eight years, the government has increased the diet charges for students by 40% and cosmetic charges by 200%. He emphasized the importance of proper nutrition, comparing it to the way a seed grows into a strong tree after overcoming struggles.
The SP also mentioned the government’s initiative to provide three meals a day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – to ensure students receive adequate nutrition. He encouraged students to overcome challenges and work hard to achieve success, making their parents proud in the process.
After the speeches, the Collector and SP joined students and parents for a special meal that included chicken dishes, marking the occasion with a sense of community and celebration.
The event was attended by several officials, including Special Officer AD Mines B.V. Ramana, District BC Welfare Officer Ramesh Babu, SC Welfare Officer Saroja, hostel wardens, students, and parents.