Revanth Reddy Seeks FRBM Exemption for ₹30,000 Crore Education Expansion in Telangana

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to exempt education-related borrowings from Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) limits, citing a massive investment push to strengthen the state’s education infrastructure.

During a meeting at Parliament, Revanth Reddy sought the Centre’s support for Telangana’s education initiatives, particularly those aimed at benefiting Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minority communities, which together constitute a significant portion of the state’s population.

Young India Integrated Residential Schools Plan

The Chief Minister outlined the state government’s flagship Young India Integrated Residential Schools project, under which 105 residential schools are being established across Telangana’s Assembly constituencies. Each school will cater to 2,560 students from Classes 5 to 12, offering modern academic and sports facilities.

According to Revanth Reddy, the initiative is expected to directly benefit nearly 2.7 lakh students, while also functioning as regional education hubs that will support neighbouring government schools and indirectly benefit several lakh more students.

₹30,000 Crore Investment Requirement

Revanth Reddy informed the Finance Minister that the construction of the 105 integrated schools would require around ₹21,000 crore, given the scale of infrastructure, laboratories and stadium facilities planned.

In addition, the Telangana government plans to invest ₹9,000 crore to upgrade laboratories and infrastructure in junior colleges, degree colleges, technical institutions and other higher education facilities, taking the total education investment to ₹30,000 crore.

Request for FRBM Relaxation

Given the magnitude of funding required, the Chief Minister requested that loans raised through a Special Purpose Centre proposed for the integrated schools be kept outside FRBM borrowing limits. He emphasised that expenditure on education should be treated as a long-term investment in human resource development, rather than routine fiscal spending.

Centre’s Response

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman appreciated Telangana’s focus on strengthening the education sector, particularly the scale and vision behind the Young India Integrated Residential Schools. She asked the Chief Minister to share detailed information about the proposed Special Purpose Centre.

Members of Parliament Mallu Ravi, Suresh Shetkar, Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy and Mandadi Anil Kumar were present during the meeting.