Telangana Pledges Free Electricity to 30,000 Government Schools

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced free electricity for 30,000 government schools to enhance infrastructure. He emphasized the role of teachers in reshaping the state's future and encouraged parents to enroll their children in public schools. Additionally, Rs 21,000 crore has been allocated for education in the state budget.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced on Friday that the state government would provide free electricity to around 30,000 government schools as part of efforts to improve infrastructure.

Speaking at a teachers’ convention, he highlighted the success of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has won elections thrice by improving government schools and delivering quality education to the underprivileged.

Reddy pointed out the critical importance of a consistent electricity supply for quality education, including the use of computers in schools. He lamented that power was cut off by the energy department when schools failed to pay their electricity bills.

Reddy questioned why free electricity couldn't be provided to schools when farmers and poor households already receive free power. He assured that the state government would shoulder the financial burden to supply free electricity to Telangana's 30,000 schools.

The government has also decided to allocate sanitation responsibilities and funds to self-help groups. Reddy emphasized that teachers play a pivotal role in rebuilding Telangana and that educating the economically disadvantaged will strengthen the state.

He acknowledged the drop in government school admissions by two lakh students this year, attributing it to various factors, including school closures and the preference for private schools by parents seeking English-language education.

Reddy called for a change in this trend, urging rural parents to consider enrolling their children in government schools as a matter of self-respect.

He disclosed that Rs 21,000 crore has been earmarked for education in the state budget, making up 7.3 percent. Though the government aimed to allocate Rs 30,000 crore, it was constrained by the need to fulfill election promises and other obligations.

The long-standing issue of teacher promotions has been resolved, and the government pledges continued support for educators.