TGSWREIS board approves AI courses, UGC pay scales and expansion of Centres of Excellence

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The Board of Governors of the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGSWREIS) has approved a series of academic, welfare and infrastructure reforms, including the introduction of Artificial Intelligence courses at the undergraduate level, extension of UGC pay scales to degree college faculty and the establishment of nine additional Centres of Excellence for competitive examination coaching.

The decisions were taken at the third Board of Governors meeting since 2017, chaired by Social Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar at the Telangana Secretariat on Thursday.

Among the key academic reforms, the board approved the creation of a dedicated administrative division for degree colleges and constituted a committee to facilitate NAAC accreditation for degree colleges. It also granted in-principle approval for setting up a pharmacy college in Hyderabad under TGSWREIS.

To strengthen preparation for national-level entrance examinations, the board approved nine new Centres of Excellence that will provide specialised coaching for NEET, JEE and other competitive examinations from Class IX onwards. Foundation centres will also be strengthened through the engagement of additional academic experts.

The board approved several student welfare measures, including laptops and financial assistance for eligible Scheduled Caste students pursuing higher education in premier institutions in India and abroad. A “Phone Mitra” facility will also be introduced to enable students to communicate with their parents during vacations and designated periods.

In another decision, the board approved the implementation of a common menu across institutions to standardise nutrition and dietary standards for students.

On the employee welfare front, the board approved the recognition of craft teachers and art teachers as trained graduate teachers and enhanced remuneration for part-time faculty. It also cleared the implementation of a roster system for appointments at the society’s