10% Diet Hike, ₹100-Crore Upgrade for Hostels and Gurukuls

The Andhra Pradesh Government has announced a comprehensive package to strengthen welfare education by increasing diet charges for students in government hostels and Gurukul residential schools by 10% , while also earmarking ₹100 crore for infrastructure upgrades across residential institutions. The decision, approved by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu , is aimed at improving nutrition, educational outcomes and the overall quality of life for lakhs of students from disadvantaged communities.

The revised diet charges will come into effect from the second quarter of the current financial year , ensuring better quality meals for students studying in BC, SC, ST and Minority welfare institutions . During a review meeting of the Social Welfare Department , the Chief Minister made it clear that student welfare should not be compromised despite the state's financial constraints. Officials had reportedly suggested postponing the increase because of fiscal pressures, but Naidu directed that the hike be implemented without delay, stating that nutrition and education are the foundation of social empowerment .

Emphasising long-term reforms, the Chief Minister instructed officials to expand the network of Gurukul schools , saying future residential education projects should prioritise such institutions over conventional hostels. He also called for welfare schools to match the standards of leading private educational institutions by providing quality education, accommodation, healthcare and nutritious food.

As part of a broader modernisation drive, the government plans to transform residential schools into net-zero campuses by promoting solar power, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient infrastructure and greener surroundings. The ₹100-crore allocation will be utilised to repair hostel buildings, modernise kitchens, improve sanitation, drinking water facilities, electricity and student accommodation.

To enhance academic opportunities, the government will establish special coaching centres for talented students from welfare institutions to prepare them for IIT-JEE, NEET, Civil Services and other competitive examinations. The Chief Minister also encouraged NRIs , alumni associations and professionals to adopt government hostels and Gurukul schools by contributing to infrastructure, mentoring and voluntary educational and healthcare services.

Naidu further directed officials to speed up the construction of Anganwadi centres under the VBG Ramji programme and continue infrastructure works worth ₹120 crore under the SASKI scheme , including RO drinking water plants , toilets and other essential facilities. He also reviewed the smart card-based telephone system that enables hostel students to speak with their parents for four minutes every day, helping reduce homesickness and improve emotional well-being.

The government said the increase in diet charges, coupled with improved infrastructure and academic support, reflects its broader commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive residential education system for students from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds.