Telangana government announces major welfare and education reforms

During Independence Day addresses and public meetings, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy outlined several major welfare and development initiatives for the state. A primary announcement involves the direct deposit of Rs 2,400 crore for student fee reimbursements into bank accounts to ensure transparency and prevent colleges from withholding certificates.

To bolster employability, the government is introducing skill-development courses from nursery to Class 12 and has established Advanced Technical Centres (ATCs) in 119 constituencies in collaboration with the Tata Group. Students at these centres receive a monthly stipend of Rs 2,000.

In the agricultural sector, the Chief Minister reported that the government has spent Rs 1.70 lakh crore on farmer welfare, including Rs 36,000 crore in Rythu Bandhu funds and the waiver of crop loans up to Rs 2 lakh for 25 lakh families. The state has also seen significant paddy procurement and production.

Other welfare highlights include the Mahalakshmi scheme providing free RTC bus travel for women, the Gruha Jyothi scheme for free electricity, and the distribution of smart ration cards to enhance food security. Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy also noted the progress of the Indiramma housing programme, which aims to provide homes to all eligible poor families.