In a landmark move to promote educational equity, Telangana’s Minister
for Scheduled Castes Development, Tribal Welfare, and Minorities
Welfare, Adluri Laxman, has announced that all private and corporate
schools in the state must reserve 25% of their seats for Scheduled
Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) students. This directive, part
of the Telangana Education Policy 2025, aligns with the Right to
Education (RTE) Act, 2009, and aims to provide greater access to
quality education for underprivileged communities.

Key Highlights of the Policy

Mandatory Reservation: All private and corporate schools in Telangana
are required to allocate 25% of their seats to SC and ST students,
ensuring inclusivity in education.
Implementation Timeline: The policy will be enforced starting from the
2025-26 academic year, following the central government’s push for
compliance with the RTE Act.
Best Available School Scheme: The initiative is part of the state’s
“Best Available School Scheme,” which seeks to integrate
underprivileged students into quality educational institutions.
Addressing Educational Inequality: The reservation policy is designed
to bridge the gap between privileged and underprivileged students,
fostering social integration and equal opportunities.

Minister Adluri Laxman’s Vision

Speaking at a press conference on July 1, 2025, Minister Adluri Laxman
emphasized the government’s commitment to uplifting marginalized
communities. He stated, “We are clearing pending dues, improving
infrastructure, and ensuring that SC and ST students have access to
the best education possible.” The minister also highlighted plans to
establish Young India Integrated Residential Schools in every assembly
constituency to further enhance educational opportunities.

Telangana’s Education Landscape

Telangana is home to over 41,360 schools, including more than 26,000
public schools, and boasts prestigious institutions like IIT
Hyderabad, NIT Warangal, and AIIMS Bibinagar. With this new policy,
the state aims to make its education system more inclusive and
equitable. The government has also introduced initiatives like
increased diet charges and scholarships such as the Ambedkar Overseas
Vidya Nidhi to support SC and ST students.

Challenges and Concerns

While the policy has been hailed as a step toward social justice,
experts have raised concerns about its implementation. Some fear that
the reservation could lead to reduced enrollments in government
schools or create a financial burden on the state. The Telangana
government is addressing these concerns by preparing proposals to
refine the RTE framework and ensure smooth execution.

How Will This Impact Telangana’s Students?

This reservation policy is expected to benefit thousands of SC and ST
students by providing access to high-quality private and corporate
schools. With approximately 11,500 private schools in Telangana, the
initiative could open up 10,000 to 15,000 seats in the first year
alone. The government is also working on regulating fees to prevent
additional financial strain on families.

Why This Matters

The 25% reservation mandate is a significant step toward dismantling
educational barriers and fostering social integration. By ensuring
that SC and ST students have access to the same opportunities as their
peers, Telangana is setting a precedent for inclusive education across
India.

For the latest updates on Telangana’s education policies and more,
stay tuned to Masala Mirror.

Keywords: Telangana education policy 2025, SC ST reservation in
schools, Adluri Laxman, Right to Education Act, private schools
Telangana, Best Available School Scheme, inclusive education, Young
India Integrated Residential Schools.

Published: July 2, 2025
Author: Masala Mirror Editorial Team