Marking a major step in inclusive education, Telangana Minority Welfare Minister Adluri Lakshman Kumar, along with Labour Minister G Vivek Venkataswamy, inaugurated a Minority Residential Junior College (Centre of Excellence) at Erragadda, Hyderabad, on Sunday.

Minister Lakshman Kumar said the Congress government under CM A Revanth Reddy is transforming minority education, aiming to empower students from Muslim and other minority communities through quality, accessible higher education.

Describing the Erragadda College as a landmark institution, he highlighted its state-of-the-art facilities envisioned by the Chief Minister. “Education drives social equality and economic empowerment,” he said.

The Minister noted that Centres of Excellence (COEs) provide intensive coaching for competitive exams like IIT-JEE, NEET, CLAT, NDA, and CUET. Facilities such as digital classrooms, advanced labs, libraries, hostels, and nutritious meals are provided free of cost.

He stated that minority students' academic performance has significantly improved, with record admissions into IITs, NITs, AIIMS, and NDA. Telangana now has 205 Minority Residential Schools serving over 1.33 lakh students, bringing them on par with top private institutions.

Since the Congress took office, the minority education budget has increased by 40%, and the government plans to establish at least one COE in every district.

Special focus is also being given to Muslim girls’ education and hostel upgrades. With a 22% rise in minority enrolment in professional courses, the Minister said these initiatives reflect Telangana’s vision for social equality through education. “This college is a beacon of hope,” he concluded.