Hyderabad: Starting November 1, students in welfare hostels and residential schools saw enhanced diet and cosmetic allowances, as part of a new directive aimed at elevating the standard of living for students across institutions run by the SC, ST, BC, minority, and women and child welfare departments.
Issued by the Telangana Scheduled Caste Development Department (SCP), the directive introduces a 40 per cent increase in these charges following a thorough review of inflation and essential commodity prices.
The revised rates apply to all welfare hostels, residential schools, and similar institutions, as recommended by a committee of officers. This committee, formed to address the rising costs of food grains, vegetables, oils, and general mess charges over recent years, proposed the increases to ensure that students’ needs are adequately met.
The committee noted that the last significant adjustment in diet and cosmetic charges was made in 2017, and since then, prices of essential items have surged, prompting the current review and enhancement.
Under the updated scheme, diet charges have been increased across three educational levels. Students from Class 3 to 7 will now receive Rs 1,330 per month, up from the previous Rs 950, while those in Classes 8 to 10 will receive Rs 1,540 per month, a rise from Rs 1,100.
Students in higher education, from Intermediate to postgraduate levels, will receive Rs 2,100 per month, compared to the previous Rs 1,500. These changes are intended to improve the nutritional support available to students, ensuring balanced meals that can keep up with current food prices.
Cosmetic charges, which cover essential personal hygiene items like soap, toothpaste, and grooming products, have also been revised. Girls in Classes 3 to 7 will now receive Rs 175 per month, up from the earlier Rs 55, while girls in Classes 8 and above will receive Rs 275 per month, as against the earlier Rs 75. Boys in Classes 3 to 7 will receive Rs 150 per month, replacing the previous rate of Rs 62, while older boys, in Classes 8 and above, will receive Rs 200 per month, also up from Rs 62.
The increased charges will be funded through the allocated budgets of each respective department, as sanctioned by the finance department, ensuring that the financial burden does not fall on students or their families, the notice stated.
