Ponnam Prabhakar Reviews BC Welfare, Education and Gurukul Infrastructure

Telangana BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar held a review meeting with senior officials at the Minister’s Quarters to assess the implementation of various welfare and educational programmes being carried out by the department. The meeting covered the implementation of the ‘Intintaa Indiramma Sewing Machines’ scheme for BC women, the functioning of BC residential schools and hostels, and the facilities available to students.

Officials informed the minister that 4.06 lakh applications had been received so far under the sewing machine scheme. With the application process scheduled to close on September 30, Prabhakar directed officials to ensure that every eligible BC woman benefits from the programme. He called for the process to be completed efficiently and within the stipulated deadline.

The minister also reviewed the functioning of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Telangana BC Welfare Residential Educational Institutions and BC hostels. He instructed officials to ensure that students are provided quality and nutritious food in accordance with the government-prescribed menu. He also stressed the need to give equal importance to academics, sports and cultural activities to support the overall development of students.

Prabhakar directed teachers and students to work together to achieve better academic results this year compared with the previous year. The review covered several issues, including education standards, infrastructure, sports facilities, staff recruitment, digital learning, higher education and employment opportunities.

The minister also discussed measures aimed at improving the economic development of BC communities. He said the BC Study Circle was providing students with skill development programmes and coaching for competitive examinations. Officials were instructed to provide students with wider opportunities to develop their abilities in different fields alongside their formal education.

A major concern raised during the meeting was the shortage of permanent infrastructure for BC residential schools. Officials informed the minister that Telangana has 327 BC residential schools, but only 21 currently have their own buildings. The remaining institutions are operating from rented premises.

Prabhakar directed officials to coordinate with district Collectors to identify and acquire suitable land for constructing permanent buildings. He said that where land is already available, efforts would be made to secure the required funds for construction. The minister added that he would discuss the issue with Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and take steps to ensure necessary funding is sanctioned.