The Telangana government has announced an investment of Rs 11,600 crore for establishing 58 Young India Integrated Residential Schools across the state. The need for these schools has arisen out of the current state of residential schools, according to Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.
The Young India Integrated Residential Schools, Vikramarka said, are designed in consultation with social workers and educators to transform the government education system. Their aim is to provide holistic development, encompassing mental and physical growth, for all students regardless of their caste, religion, or economic background. By bringing together students from SC, ST, BC, minority, and other communities, these integrated schools intend to provide equal educational opportunities and promote greater social unity.
During the budget speech, Vikramarka said on Wednesday, “Currently, there are 1,023 government residential schools in Telangana, out of which 662 schools do not have their own buildings. Many gurukuls are operating in buildings with minimal facilities, lacking proper toilet amenities, and housing hundreds of students. Although there are special residential schools for different categories, there is no uniformity in terms of educational standards and basic infrastructure among them.”
Vikramarka quoted Dr B R Ambedkar as saying, “Education is the milk of a lioness. The one who drinks it can’t stay without roaring.” According to the minister, this initiative aims to realise Ambedkar’s vision by creating a high-quality education system accessible to all. The goal is to have at least one such school in every constituency.
“We are committed to setting up at least one Young India Residential School in every constituency. These integrated schools will be constructed on land parcels ranging from 20 to 25 acres. These integrated schools will be built on spacious campuses ranging from 20 to 25 acres and will offer education comparable to private institutions, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
“They will feature amenities such as auditoriums, dining halls, digital classrooms, sports fields, and dedicated cricket and football grounds. To ensure effective and continuous student supervision, residential quarters for teaching staff will be established within the school premises. Additionally, these schools will extensively utilise wind and solar energy for sustainability,” the minister said.
Students enrolled in these schools will receive free accommodation, meals, uniforms, notebooks, textbooks, and all other necessary items. Beyond the regular curriculum, the schools will provide specialised coaching to prepare students for highly competitive national entrance examinations like IIT-JEE and NEET. Alongside academics, there will be an equal focus on sports, arts, and competitions to promote the holistic development of students, fostering both physical and mental well-being.
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In October 2024, the foundation stones were laid for the first phase of Young India Integrated Residential Schools, covering 28 constituencies. The government then announced a plan to establish at least one such school in each of the state’s 119 Assembly constituencies.
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