15 June Posted at 11:08 PM IST
Hyderabad: Government schools across Greater Hyderabad reopened on Monday after the summer vacation, welcoming students with new textbooks, notebooks, uniforms and a newly introduced breakfast programme aimed at improving student nutrition and attendance.
The Breakfast and Milk Scheme was formally launched at Raj Bhavan Government High School. Students were also provided textbooks and notebooks as part of the reopening arrangements for the new academic year.
The launch programme was attended by City Incharge and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, MP Anil Yadav, MLAs Danam Nagender and Yashaswini Reddy Hyderabad District Collector Priyanka Ala, District Educational Officer Yadaiah, Manna Trust CEO Leena Joseph and other officials.
Under the first phase of the scheme, breakfast will be provided in 45 government schools across Hyderabad district. Officials said 12,437 students will benefit from the programme, which is being implemented under the supervision of Manna Trust.
Education officials stated that textbooks and notebooks are being distributed to students studying in 672 government schools in Hyderabad district. Across Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri and Ranga Reddy districts, approximately 3.25 lakh students are enrolled in 2,573 government schools.
While the reopening has generated enthusiasm among students and teachers, infrastructure challenges continue in many schools. Teachers reported issues including overcrowded classrooms, multiple classes being conducted in a single room, temporary repairs and inadequate facilities.
According to officials, only around 30 percent of schools have completed toilet cleaning works ahead of reopening, while nearly 60 percent have undergone painting and maintenance activities. The government has identified 12 key indicators for creating a better learning environment, including ventilated classrooms, science laboratories, dual desks, toilets, safe drinking water and compound walls. However, only about 30 to 40 percent of schools currently meet these standards.
Meanwhile, pre-primary sections are also being introduced under the CARE (Chief Minister’s Education Reform) initiative in selected areas of Ranga Reddy and Medchal districts.
Officials expressed confidence that the breakfast programme, along with the distribution of learning materials, will help improve student attendance, health and academic performance. However, education activists continue to stress the need for faster infrastructure development to ensure quality learning conditions across all government schools
Mohammed Naseer Giyas is a multi-media and bilingual journalist with over 20 years of experience across print, digital, and television media. Founder of Raftaar-e-Deccan, he is an alumnus of IVLP, Thomson Reuters Foundation, and ICFJ, and has worked with leading English and Urdu news organisations.
