Hyderabad: Emphasising the pivotal role of education in shaping Telangana's future, Tribal Welfare Minister Adluri Lakshman Kumar declared on Saturday that the state government, under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy views education not as an expenditure but as the most significant investment for the state's progress.

Speaking at the Academic Success Meet 2026 and Janajatiya Garima Utsav - Birsa Lives in New Bharat, held at Babu Jagjivan Ram Bhavan in Hyderabad, the Minister asserted that the government is committed to uplifting SC, ST, BC, minority and economically weaker students through education.

Highlighting the government's vision, Lakshman Kumar said, "Students studying in our government institutions today will be tomorrow's leaders, driving economic growth, development, and social empowerment." The event, marking the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda, celebrated not only academic achievements but also the confidence and resilience of tribal students.

The Minister praised the state's unwavering commitment to social justice through education. He cited CM Revanth Reddy's belief in education as the strongest weapon against poverty, stating that opportunities for higher education and employment can uplift entire generations. "When one student attains higher education, the whole family and community progress," he remarked.

Lakshman Kumar spotlighted Telangana's Tribal Gurukul institutions as national models, providing free, high-quality residential education to over 82,000 students. The institutions have posted exceptional results: a 98.86% SSC pass rate, with 56 schools achieving 100% results; an 86.53% pass rate in Intermediate; and remarkable performances in national entrance exams such as JEE, NEET, and EAPCET. Since 2014, over 2,500 tribal students have been admitted to premier national institutes. The Minister credited these successes to the dedication of students, teachers, and the support of parents.

Announcing major welfare measures, he revealed proposals for a new Sainik School and a Degree College for tribal girls in Dharmapuri, with approvals anticipated soon. Key initiatives include an honorarium hike for 1,185 part-time employees, increasing the principals' promotion quota from 70% to 100%, and special allowances for in-charge principals, deputy wardens, and vice principals. Infrastructure upgrades are underway, with Rs 72.83 crore sanctioned for repairs and Rs 25 crore for modern kitchens. All Gurukul schools have now secured FSSAI "Eat Right" certification, ensuring nutritious student meals.