Hyderabad: In a significant Diwali announcement, the Telangana state government has raised diet and cosmetic charges for students in welfare gurukuls and hostels, aiming to enhance their nutrition and personal hygiene standards. This 40% increase in diet charges is set to benefit approximately 7,65,705 students across the state.
A committee, led by BC Welfare Department Chief Secretary Burra Venkatesham, was appointed to review the need for increased funds for student welfare. After evaluating inflation and rising essential item costs, the committee recommended a 40% hike in diet charges to match the nutrition standards recommended by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN). Under the new rates, daily charges for classes 3-7 will be ₹44.33, for classes 8-10 will be ₹51.33, and for intermediate and above, ₹70.
The cosmetic charges for personal hygiene, unchanged since 2008, have also been increased, especially aiding female students in classes 8, 9, and 10. Welfare departments have pushed for this revision, citing escalating costs and occasional delays in payments. This increase was promptly approved by CM Revanth Reddy, ensuring students can maintain adequate hygiene and health.
