SC/ST students are priority, 25% seat quota must for all schools: Minister Laxman

Hyderabad: SC, ST and Minorities Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman stated that clearing pending dues, improving infrastructure and preventing suicides of students in welfare schools are some of the important tasks that his department will take up. He also ordered all private and corporate schools in the State to reserve 25 per cent seats to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes students.

In a press conference, he spoke about the initiatives and challenges within his departments.

Clearing dues and future provisions

Pending bills cleared: All pending bills for residential and hostel facilities up to April 2025 have been cleared. This includes all dues for diet and rentals, he said.

Student provisions: Tenders for student uniforms, books and shoes will be floated soon. The minister said that their approach differs from the previous government’s actions over the past decade.

Diet charges: Increased amounts for diet charges are being paid, he said.

Improving infrastructure and welfare schools

Hostel rent: The minister has requested the finance minister to take measures to ensure monthly rent payments for hostel buildings.

Integrated schools: Plans are underway to launch integrated schools in every constituency within 2-3 years, a first for any State in the country.

Welfare and Gurukul schools: Steps are being taken to ensure that no difficulties are faced in welfare and Gurukul schools.

Timely uniforms: The minister assured that there will be no delays in providing uniforms to students in the future.

Addressing social issues in Gurukuls

Suicide prevention: The minister acknowledged that suicides in gurukuls have multiple causes, including social media and family situations. Measures are being taken to address and reduce these incidents, he said.

Private and corporate school admissions

25% reservation: All private and corporate schools are mandated to reserve 25 per cent of their seats for SC and ST students.