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HYDERABAD: The government has approved an upward revision of cooking costs under the PM Poshan (mid-day meal) scheme. The order, issued by the school education department, updates the daily material cost per child for Bal Vatika, primary and upper primary students in line with revised Central norms.As per the new rates, the cooking cost for Bal Vatika and primary schoolchildren will increase from Rs 5.45 to Rs 6.19 per child per day, excluding the cost of eggs. For upper primary students, the cost has been revised from Rs 8.17 to Rs 9.29. Classes IX and X, which are covered under the same scheme, will now receive Rs 11.79 per child per day, up from Rs 10.67, including Rs 2.5 towards egg provision. The scheme follows a 60:40 funding pattern between the Centre and the state government. The revision was based on a proposal from the director of school education, seeking parity with national rates approved by the Union education ministry under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman scheme. The new rates apply for the 2024–25 period. According to the order, the expenditure for Classes IX and X will be met within the scheme’s existing budget. The government order, issued with the concurrence of the finance department, was signed by Dr Yogita Rana, secretary of school education.Panel formed to revamp fee reimbursementHyderabad: The government has constituted a high-level committee to review and mobilise finances for the state’s fee reimbursement scheme, which has suffered persistent delays affecting both students and colleges. The committee was formed through GO Ms No. 19, issued on October 28 by the Scheduled Caste development department.Headed by the special chief secretary for welfare, the panel includes senior officials from the finance, education, SC, BC, tribal and minority welfare departments, the chairman of the Telangana State Council of Higher Education and three representatives from the Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Education Institutions (FATHI). Professors Kancha Ilaiah and M. Kodandaram are among the members. The committee will study a self-sustaining funding model, develop a transparent reimbursement framework and suggest reforms in higher education policy. It has been asked to submit its report within three months. The order follows discussions between Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and FATHI representatives, who highlighted the growing arrears and the need for a predictable disbursal mechanism. The fee reimbursement scheme supports lakhs of students from SC, ST, BC and minority communities but has long been hindered by budget constraints and procedural delays. Several college managements have warned of indefinite shutdowns if dues remain unpaid, estimating arrears to be in the hundreds of crores. Some institutions have restricted examinations and admissions for students whose fees were pending. Officials said the committee will explore a Trust Bank model to ensure quicker fund flow and eliminate recurring backlogs. The move follows rising pressure from student unions and educational bodies for a comprehensive overhaul of the reimbursement system.TG promotes 39 health officialsHyderabad: The government has promoted 39 senior doctors under the health, medical and family welfare department to higher administrative and clinical posts, through two separate orders issued on Tuesday by health secretary Dr Christina Z. Chongthu.Deputy directors (administration) Dr N. Krishnaveni, Dr Shweta Monga and Dr B. Manjunath Naik have been elevated to joint directors for the panel year 2024–25. They have been posted to the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), the Medical Health Services Recruitment Board (MHSRB) and the National Health Mission (NHM) respectively. Thirty-six deputy civil surgeons and civil assistant surgeons have also been promoted to the rank of civil surgeon (general line). Among the new postings are Dr Mohd Ibrahim as RMO at Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, and district medical and health officers Dr Mudili Vasantha Rao (Sangareddy), Dr D. Swarna Kumari (Vikarabad) and Dr Rathod Thukaram (Bhadradri Kothagudem).Postal services now round-the-clock in HyDHyderabad: The postal department has launched 24x7 booking counters at Secunderabad and Nampally railway stations, Shamshabad airport and other key centres, while extending business hours at major post offices in Hyderabad.Customers can now avail of Speed Post, Parcel, Business Mail and other postal services at any hour throughout the week at the following locations: 1. Nampally Railway Station – near Nampally Railway Station, Hyderabad 2. Secunderabad Railway Station – near Platform No. 10 3. NSH Begumpet – inside Begumpet Airport premises 4. PPC Autonagar – near Varun Motors, Autonagar 5. Shamshabad airport – near Airport Cargo Point (Satellite Building) The following post offices will remain open until 6 pm for booking postal articles and remittances: Banjara Hills, Golconda,...
