The Telangana government will begin providing financial assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh to eligible beneficiaries under the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam scheme from November 19, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said on Tuesday.
Vikramarka, who also holds the finance portfolio, directed officials to take steps to implement the first phase of the scheme, aimed at helping youth establish self-employment units. He said the government had made the necessary budgetary provision and was committed to fulfilling its promises to the youth.
Officials were also instructed to begin accepting applications and ensure that the beneficiary selection process was carried out transparently in the presence of district collectors.
Vikramarka held a review meeting on SC and ST welfare at Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad along with Social Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar. The meeting covered various issues, including welfare schemes, management of residential schools, educational infrastructure, self-employment initiatives, scholarships and study circles.
The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that creating self-employment opportunities for young people remained a priority for the government.
Mechanised kitchens for residential schools
The meeting also reviewed a proposal to introduce mechanised centralised kitchens for residential schools. Vikramarka directed officials to speed up the establishment of such kitchens in SC residential schools.
He said Rs 25 crore had already been allocated in the Budget for managing the modern kitchens and purchasing the required machinery. Officials were asked to make effective use of the funds and complete the works as soon as possible.
Vikramarka instructed officials to prepare a detailed action plan within 15 days outlining how mechanised kitchens could be established across all SC residential schools.
He also made it clear that students’ food arrangements should continue without interruption until the new kitchens are completed.
Officials were further asked to study the mechanised centralised kitchen models being used for the government’s free breakfast programme and examine whether similar systems could be adopted in SC residential institutions.
Database of students
Vikramarka also directed officials to compile a comprehensive database of students who had completed their education over the past 10 years at Hyderabad Public School, Ramanthapur Public School and various residential and welfare educational institutions across Telangana.
The database will include information on the social and economic backgrounds of students who studied at these institutions during the period.
Officials were asked to determine whether the students went on to pursue higher education, obtained prestigious employment or discontinued their education because of economic or social difficulties.
To evaluate the impact of the education and facilities provided by these institutions on students’ lives, Vikramarka directed officials to commission a study through the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) and prepare a detailed report.
He also sought information on expenditure incurred by SC Study Circles, the number of candidates selected, the training provided to them and the outcomes achieved.
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