HYDERABAD: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced on Sunday that the Telangana government would invest ₹5,000 crore to establish Young India Integrated Residential Schools (YIIRS) across all Assembly constituencies. Speaking at the unveiling of the YIIRS concept alongside R&B Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Vikramarka shared that foundation stones for the pilot schools would be laid on October 11 in select constituencies.
The YIIRS initiative aims to integrate students from SC, ST, BC, and other communities under one roof, promoting social unity through education. "Our government believes that education is the great equalizer. By bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, we will erase the divisions in our society," Vikramarka said.
Describing the initiative as a milestone in the education sector, he emphasized that the government is prioritizing education to ensure Telangana students can compete on a global level. The schools will provide education up to Class 12, with English as the medium of instruction, meeting international standards.
Vikramarka stated that district collectors have been directed to acquire 25 acres of land in each constituency, with land already secured in 20–22 constituencies. The cost of constructing each YIIRS is estimated at ₹25 crore, with the project being rolled out in phases across all Assembly segments.
These schools will be designed to incorporate green energy and foster an inclusive environment where students from all communities can study together. The campuses will also offer sports and recreational facilities to create a stress-free academic setting. Additionally, theatres will be built to screen films via satellite channels, ensuring students have access to entertainment.
Addressing concerns over the current state of residential schools, Vikramarka noted that many are operating out of rented buildings, lacking basic amenities like toilets. Of the 1,023 residential schools in Telangana, 662 do not have their own buildings. He criticized the previous BRS government for investing only ₹73 crore in residential schools, leaving them with inadequate infrastructure and staffing.
R&B Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy echoed these concerns, describing the conditions in existing residential schools as deplorable, with 20 students sharing a single room and bathroom. He described the YIIRS project as a "Dasara gift" to students from the government.
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar hailed the initiative as revolutionary, adding that the government aims to begin classes in these new schools by the next academic year. He urged opposition parties to support this major step toward improving education in the state.