VIJAYAWADA: In a desperate effort to check the alarming dropout rate, the State government is contemplating to serve breakfast to all government school students in addition to mid-day meals. The meal which is currently being served up to SSC is likely to be offered to Intermediate students as well.
Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, who is busy giving final touches to the State’s Budget for 2018-19, which will presented in the AP Legislative Assembly on March 5, hinted that the government would give priority to education, agriculture and youth empowerment.
During discussions with bureaucrats at the Interim Government Complex in Velagapudi on Monday, Yanamala explained that extending breakfast to students would not only help in reducing dropout rate, but also ensure that children receive a nutritious diet.If the plan comes into force, 34 lakh students will benefit from it. The government also has plans of distributing bicycles to Class VIII girls from the next academic year. At present, cycles are being given to Class 9 girls under the Badikosta scheme.
Another likely change is the possible enhancement of home guards’ wages. Though the department has not come to a consensus, sources privy to the matter told TNIE that the Minister had responded positively to the suggestion made by DGP M Malakondaiah and Home Department Principal Secretary AR Anuradha. Yanamala is understood to have directed the two to estimate the quantum of money that needs to be allotted for the purpose.
What else to expect
Dole for unemployed youth
Tabs for meritorious students
Rs 90 cr for Brahmin Welfare Corporation. Minister P Manikyala Rao has pitched the idea to the FM
Pay hike for home guards on cards
Another likely change is the enhancement of home guards’ wages. The Minister had responded positively to the suggestion made by DGP M Malakondaiah, sources told Express