Hyderabad, Oct.7 (NSS): In a significant policy shift, Minister for BC Welfare Ponnam Prabhakar has issued directives to enable students graduating from class 10 in Gurukulas to directly enroll in Intermediate courses starting from the next academic year.
This initiative aims to mirror the existing framework at Model schools, ensuring that students have a smooth transition into higher education.
Officials have been instructed to implement measures ensuring that all Gurukulas offer Intermediate courses alongside computer education. The Principal Secretary of the BC Welfare Department, B. Venkatesham, emphasized the importance of integrating extracurricular activities such as Red Cross, NCC, NSS, and Scouts & Guides, mandating that every student participate in at least two of these programs.
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has also called for Gurukulas to provide coaching for competitive exams like EAMCET and NEET from the upcoming academic year.
This directive was discussed during a comprehensive review meeting held at Komuram Bheem Bhavan in Banjara Hills on Monday, where the Minister and Principal Secretary Venkatesham outlined the future direction of the BC Welfare department.
During the meeting, feedback was gathered regarding the operational performance of Gurukulas at the ground level. The Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to establishing integrated residential complexes across the Telangana State, with an allocation of Rs.5,000 crores for the current fiscal year, surpassing the existing international schools.
Ponnam Prabhakar directed that the officials should set a target to achieve 100 percent pass rates this academic year, aiming to secure a leading position in the state.
Officials were advised to enhance their performance, with the promise that any proposed increase in mess charges would be addressed by the government. Students have been advised to focus on additional curricular activities.
The meeting also emphasised the importance of health monitoring, with ANMs required to measure students’ height and weight, ensuring they are free from anemia. Local MLAs, MPs, and MLCs have been urged to address Gurukula issues with collectors for timely fund allocation.
Following the Dasara holidays, a Parents-Teachers Meeting is to be held in all Gurukulas from October 15 to 31, where suggestions and feedback will be collected. It was suggested to negotiate with landlords to pay 50% rent for rented Gurukula buildings before the Dasara festival, ensuring necessary infrastructure is provided.
Students are encouraged to engage in sports, cultural activities, and physical fitness, while also participating in debates and science innovation initiatives. The establishment of motivation speeches through study circles and the facilitation of online classes are recommended to enhance learning experiences. Additionally, a suggestion box will be set up in every Gurukula to address student grievances, with Regional Coordinating Officers overseeing the process. The government is considering land assessments for Gurukulas operating in rented spaces to facilitate the construction of permanent facilities.
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar revealed the government’s commitment to education by allocating Rs.1,100 crores for infrastructure improvements in 25,000 schools, promotions for 19,000 individuals, and transfers for 35,000 others.
He confirmed the completion of recruitments in SC, ST, BC, and minority Gurukulas, as well as transfers for Model School staff who have awaited this opportunity for a decade.
