Should Telangana CM Introduce Facial Recognition in Schools and Colleges?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Facial recognition technology to enhance student attendance.
- Centralized management for educational facility construction.
- Emphasis on improving infrastructure across all levels of education.
- Timely payment for essential services like Mid-Day Meals.
- Focus on minority communities in education.
Hyderabad, Aug 29 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Telangana, A. Revanth Reddy, has mandated the Education Department to implement facial recognition technology for all students, teaching staff, and professionals across schools and colleges. This initiative aims to enhance student attendance and address deficiencies in educational institutions.
During a comprehensive review meeting at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), he emphasized the need to elevate the educational standards in government schools, colleges, and universities.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to enhance teaching facilities by upgrading the infrastructure in educational institutions ranging from schools to universities.
He noted that the construction of additional classrooms, kitchens, toilets, and compound walls under the Education Department should not be carried out by various agencies, as this approach hampers the growth of the education sector.
For improved quality control, oversight, funding, and accountability, he insisted that all construction work should be managed by a single department.
CM Revanth Reddy directed officials to oversee all educational institution constructions via the Education and Welfare Infrastructure Development Corporation (EWIDC), which is already responsible for the establishment of Young India Integrated Residential Schools. Engineers and personnel will be borrowed from other departments for this purpose.
In terms of financial matters, the CM urged officials to expedite the settlement of pending Mid-Day Meal bills through fast-track processes and warned against any delays. Immediate action was also required for settling bills related to sanitation work in schools under Amma Adarsha Schools.
Officials were instructed to hasten the construction of urinals and toilets in women's colleges and girls' schools, as well as to set up container kitchens powered by solar panels.
Reiterating the state government's commitment to sports, CM Revanth Reddy suggested that Physical Education Teachers (PETs) be hired on a contractual basis if necessary. The meeting also discussed appointing female counselors to support girls in welfare Gurukul schools on various issues.
He emphasized that spending on education should be viewed as an investment rather than mere expenditure.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has previously urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to exclude loans taken for educational development, including the Young India Integrated Residential Schools, from FRBM limits.
Given that over 90% of students in government educational institutions belong to BC, SC, ST, and minority communities, the CM directed officials to compile a report detailing the students who have attended government educational institutions over the past decade.
Attendees of the meeting included Chief Minister's Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, Chief Minister's Special Secretary B. Ajith Reddy, Chief Minister's OSD Vemulu Srinivasulu, Principal Secretary for Education Yogita Rana, Higher Education Board Chairman Professor Balakishta Reddy, Technical Education Department Commissioner Sridevasena, School Education Department Director Naveen Nicholas, among others.