Telangana extends free notebook scheme; 8.6L students from standard 1 to 5 to benefit

Hyderabad: Students from standard 1 to 5 in Telangana government schools will now receive free notebooks. Until now, this facility has been given only to students from classes 6 to 10. The new initiative is aimed at boosting primary education in the state.

Over 8.6 lakh primary students across the state will benefit. The announcement was made by Education Secretary Yogita Rana during a virtual meeting with District Education Officers (DEOs). The distribution of books to the districts will begin on May 15.

The education department officials said that the state government plans to supply three notebooks each to students in Classes 1 and 2, and four notebooks each to those in Classes 3 to 5, in addition to the existing provision of workbooks. The decision is expected to benefit more than 8.6 lakh primary students across the state, ensuring they have the basic learning materials required for the academic year.

Welcoming the move, Secondary Grade Teachers' Union (SGTU) president K Mahipal Reddy expressed gratitude to the government and reaffirmed the union's commitment to increasing student enrollment in government schools.

Several other key decisions were announced during the meeting:

Weekly Parent-Teacher Meetings:

Schools are to organize parent meetings every Friday. A special meeting will be held on May 9, followed by a Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting on June 6 to coincide with the reopening of schools.

Khan Academy Digital Learning Expansion:

Online Mathematics and Science programs currently implemented in model schools and KGBVs for Classes 6–12 will be extended to all government schools. The platform will also support NEET and JEE coaching.

Support for Special Needs Education:

Government-run Bhavita Centers for students with special needs will receive funding for infrastructure based on student numbers and requirements.

AI Labs in Schools:

DEOs have been instructed to work with district collectors to identify schools with adequate facilities for the establishment of Artificial Intelligence laboratories.

UDISE Data Updates:

Following discrepancies identified by DIET students in the UDISE database, headmasters have been directed to make immediate corrections and update the data accordingly.

These steps reflect the state's continued efforts to strengthen public education infrastructure and promote digital learning across all levels, the education department officials said.