AP govt hikes hostel diet charges by 10%

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh govt decided to increase diet charges by 10 per cent for students studying in govt hostels and residential schools run by welfare departments. In a review meeting with officials of welfare departments on Wednesday, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed them to implement the hike from the second quarter of the current financial year instead of postponing it to next year, despite concerns raised by the finance department over fiscal constraints.The chief minister directed officials to focus on developing residential educational institutions on a par with private and corporate schools. He called for the construction of more residential schools instead of conventional hostels and asked officials to examine the feasibility of introducing net-zero concepts and biodiversity-based campus planning in gurukul institutions.Naidu announced a maintenance grant of ₹100 crore for repair and upkeep of hostels and residential schools.

He also directed officials to strengthen coaching facilities for competitive examinations such as IIT-JEE, NIT and NEET by appointing qualified teachers and trainers. Special coaching centres will be established on a pilot basis for meritorious Intermediate students studying in welfare residential institutions.The chief minister instructed officials to create pathways linking students with higher education, skill development and employment opportunities.

He said ITIs and polytechnic colleges should be aligned with industry requirements to create a skilled workforce.Naidu also directed the welfare departments to establish a dedicated health monitoring system for students in hostels, gurukuls and ashram schools. He suggested creating alumni networks of former students and involving NRIs, volunteers and professionals in supporting educational and health care services in welfare institutions.On welfare and livelihoods, the chief minister said govt assistance should not be limited to welfare schemes alone and should focus on improving incomes of weaker sections. He asked officials to integrate livelihood programmes with various state and central govt initiatives and the P4 programme. He also directed departments to prepare proposals for strengthening the role of caste corporations and extending support to traditional occupations and vulnerable communities.