Governance is key to strengthening education: Minister Ponnam

Telangana’s Education and Welfare initiatives are getting a major boost under the state government, said Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar. Speaking in the Assembly on Monday, he emphasized that providing quality meals to students in gurukulas and welfare hostels is a top priority. “We will not compromise on students’ health and nutrition,” he stated, adding that hostel rents and other dues are being cleared promptly through a ‘green channel’ system.

Minister Ponnam highlighted that the government is giving special attention to good governance for SC, ST, BC, and minority communities. Unlike previous administrations, he said, the current government is ensuring welfare measures go beyond promises and are implemented effectively. Strengthening the education sector has been a central focus, he added.

The minister announced that the number of domestic scholarships for talented and underprivileged students has increased from 300 to 700. “This will allow more deserving students to pursue higher education,” he said. He also confirmed that financial assistance is available for students who wish to study abroad, helping them gain international exposure and opportunities.

To improve education infrastructure, the government plans to build one Young India Integrated Residential School in each of the state’s 100 constituencies. Each school will cost around ₹200 crore and will feature modern facilities. “These schools will serve as centers of quality education for future generations,” the minister added.

The government has allocated ₹11,000 crore in the budget for BC welfare. Minister Ponnam reiterated that empowering underprivileged communities through education, employment, and political participation remains a primary goal. “Our aim is to build a society based on equal opportunities,” he concluded.