Direct Benefit to Students: Telangana Government to Credit Cosmetic Charges into Bank Accounts.
The Telangana government has taken a student-centric decision aimed at improving welfare services in state-run hostels. In a move to enhance transparency and empowerment, it has decided to directly credit cosmetic charges into the bank accounts of students residing in government-run social, tribal, and minority welfare hostels.
💼 Welfare Services Set for Major Upgrade
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to improve the overall quality of facilities in government hostels. These include better food, timely provision of textbooks, uniforms, bed sheets, carpets, and school bags. A high-level review meeting led by Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao was held at the state secretariat on Tuesday to finalize the strategy.
💳 Smart Cards and Financial Autonomy
As part of the initiative, students will be issued smart cards similar to debit cards to facilitate seamless transactions. These cards will allow students to purchase cosmetic and hygiene products through mobile outlets managed by local women self-help groups. This model is designed to prevent misuse of funds and encourage financial literacy among hostel residents.
📘 Preparations for the Next Academic Year
Officials have been directed to:
- Prepare detailed procurement plans for the 2025–26 academic year.
- Ensure timely supply of all essential items.
- Maintain uncompromised quality standards across all hostel amenities.
Additionally, the government emphasized that proposals must be prepared well in advance for every requirement. Any compromise on quality will not be tolerated, the Chief Secretary stated.
🧾 Implementation Model
| Component | Action Plan |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic Charges | Direct transfer to student accounts |
| Payment Mechanism | Smart card-based access |
| Vendor Network | Women self-help group mobile outlets |
| Timeline | Effective from the next academic year |
| Monitoring | Regular reviews by welfare departments |
🧠 Objective: Empowerment Through Access
The new model not only ensures financial transparency but also provides:
✔️ Direct access to welfare funds
✔️ Greater autonomy for students
✔️ Engagement with local women-led enterprises
✔️ Structured, accountable service delivery in hostels
This initiative is part of the Revanth-led government’s broader education and social welfare reforms aimed at long-term impact and student empowerment.