Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Friday said the state Cabinet, along with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, is seriously examining the possibility of introducing a free breakfast scheme for all students in government schools. This is subject to financial viability.
He was addressing a public meeting in Mogiligidda village of Ranga Reddy district to mark the 150th anniversary of Mogiligidda High School. The Deputy CM noted that the scheme is already being piloted in the Chief Minister’s own constituency. Moreover, the government intends to scale it across Telangana if resources permit.
Free breakfast scheme linked to state’s nutritional and educational goals
Bhatti Vikramarka stressed the importance of child nutrition, saying undernourishment during formative years hampers physical and mental development. He said the government is actively working to overcome these barriers. Specifically, they are exploring practical welfare interventions such as the breakfast scheme.
He further asserted that a unified school system would foster social cohesion and remove divisions based on caste, religion, or economic background. “When children learn together from the beginning, they develop mutual respect and unity,” he said.
Highlighting a major initiative under this vision, the Deputy CM said the state is constructing Young India Integrated Residential Schools — each on 25 acres with an allocation of ₹200 crore. Construction has already commenced in 100 constituencies. This represents a combined investment of ₹20,000 crore.
Education and health central to state development: Bhatti
Bhatti Vikramarka said that building a skilled workforce is essential for Telangana’s economic strength. To that end, the government is prioritising free education and healthcare.
As part of this effort, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy sanctioned ₹10 crore for Mogiligidda High School during his visit last year. Bhatti noted that the sanctioned development works are progressing rapidly.
Additionally, he criticised past governments for neglecting Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). He said the current administration is upgrading them with modern machinery and redesigned curricula to align with industry demands. ITIs in all constituencies are being converted into Advanced Technology Centres to ensure employability, he added.