Hyderabad, Dec 14 (Reporter) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday emphasised the state government’s commitment to enhancing students' skills and making them active participants in Telangana’s reconstruction. Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Common Diet Plan ceremony at the Telangana Social Welfare Residential School in Chilkur, Moinabad Mandal, Rangareddy district, the Chief Minister stressed the need to remove misconceptions about government school students being less talented than their private school counterparts. Reddy acknowledged that stereotypes about the quality of education in government schools had persisted for years and reaffirmed his government’s resolve to break these notions. He highlighted how residential schools, first introduced by former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, have produced distinguished alumni, including IAS and IPS officers like Burra Venkatesham and Mahender Reddy. “We are determined to restore complete confidence in students, especially those from SC, ST, BC, and minority communities,” he said, adding that the government is working to raise education standards and improve infrastructure. To address rising costs and student challenges, the government has increased diet charges by 40 per cent and cosmetic allowances by 200 per cent. “Never before in the country’s history has such a substantial increase been made at once,” Reddy noted. The CM also highlighted measures such as free electricity for government schools, upgrading 75 ITIs into Advanced Technology Centers in collaboration with Tata, and establishing the Young India Skills University to equip youth with employable skills. Plans are underway to launch the Young India Sports University and Sports Academy, aimed at preparing athletes for the 2028 Olympics. Reddy lamented incidents like a recent student death due to food poisoning, calling it a tragic reminder of the government’s responsibility toward students’ welfare. He directed officials to ensure timely fund disbursement, involve students in mess management committees, and maintain strict oversight of food quality to prevent such incidents. “Spending on education is not an expense; it’s an investment in future generations,” he said, urging officials and public representatives to visit residential schools regularly to ensure accountability. The Chief Minister announced plans to establish Young India Integrated Residential Schools in every constituency, providing education on par with corporate institutions. He also encouraged teachers to nurture students' diverse talents and assured them of necessary government support. The event was attended by Government Whip MLC Patnam Mahender Reddy, Chevella MLA Kale Yadayya, corporation chairpersons, the district collector, and other high-ranking officials. The Common Diet Plan program will now be implemented across all government hostels and Gurukuls in the state...////...