Govt. terms BRS criticism of budget enhancement for Young India Integrated Residential Schools as politically motivated
The officials said that the objective of establishing YIIRS was to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and high-quality teaching and learning equipment to students, most of whom come from disadvantaged and rural areas.
The new residential complexes are designed to accommodate up to 2,650 students and will include modern boarding facilities, residential quarters for teaching and non-teaching staff, and sports facilities that meet international standards.
Purpose-built campuses
Officials highlighted that the government inherited from the previous administration nearly 600 residential schools operating out of private buildings, many of which lack basic amenities. It is imperative to move these schools into purpose-built campuses to provide a safe and conducive environment for learning.
The architectural plan for each YIIRS covers a total built-up area of 5.36 lakh square feet, featuring Four academic blocks (G+2 floors) – 1,60,339 sq. ft.m Six dormitory blocks (G+3 floors) – 2,57,451 sq. ft., Dining cum kitchen block (G+1 floors) – 41,860 sq. ft., Principal quarters (4 units of 3 BHK, G+1 floors) – 7,483 sq. ft., Staff quarters (48 units of 2 BHK, G+3 floors) – 61,378 sq. ft. and Additional quarters (8 units of 1 BHK, G+1 floor) – 7,324 sq. ft.
Transparent process
Responding to allegations of cost escalation, the government clarified that all project estimates have been meticulously prepared using standard engineering designs and scheduled rates. The per square foot construction cost for the YIIRS is ₹3,730, significantly lower than the rates fixed for Integrated District Office Complexes (IDOC) during the previous BRS regime. During the BRS regime, the cost was Siddipet IDOC: ₹4,058/sq. ft., Sircilla IDOC: ₹4,990/sq. ft., Mulugu IDOC: ₹3,994/sq. ft. and Warangal East IDOC: ₹4,875/sq. ft.
This proves beyond doubt that the claims of inflated costs are baseless. The construction cost under the current government is more economical than the projects approved two years ago under the previous administration, an official said.
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