‘Telangana Darshini’ Program for Students to Visit Historical Sites

Telangana state government launched the ‘Telangana Darshini’ Program to those government school students to explore historical and tourist sites at no cost. It is also designed to enrich the educational experiences of government school students. 

Aim

• It aims to enhance student’s knowledge through experiential learning rather than traditional classroom lessons. 
• Research shows that firsthand experiences contribute significantly to a deeper understanding of subjects.

Eligibility Criteria

• Students from class 2 to the graduation level can join.
• Only students studying in government institutions will be able to apply.
• Students will have to get consent from their parents or guardians to participate in the program.
• To ensure that the program benefits those who are genuinely engaged in their education, regular school attendance may be required.

Benefits

• Students from class 2nd to class 4th will be taken on tours to nearby places.
• Students from classes 5th to 8th will be taken on 20 to 30 km tours.
• Students from class 9th to Intermediate will be taken on tours of 50 to 70 km.
• Undergraduate students will be taken on extensive tours within the state.
• One of the most important benefits is that the program provides free access to various tourist destinations including museums, forts, temples, and natural reserves, making these educational experiences accessible to all students.
• The government arranges transportation for students to ensure safe and convenient travel to these places.

Target Audience and Age Groups

The program is designed for students from Class 2 up to university level, and the trips are adjusted based on their age:

• Classes 2-4: Short, one-day trips to nearby heritage sites, parks, and monuments.
• Classes 5-8: Day trips that cover areas within 20-30 kilometers.
• Classes 9 to Intermediate: Longer, two-day trips that cover up to 50-70 kilometers.
• University students: Four-day tours to locations outside their home districts.

Expenditure

The expenditure for the trips would be borne by the available funds from,

• Departments of tourism, 
• Department of Education, 
• SC development, 
• Tribal welfare, 
• Backward classes welfare, 
• Environment and forest, 
• Science and Technology.

Funding and Costs

The Telangana government has set aside ₹12.10 crore for this program, which will cover travel, accommodation, and meals. The cost of trips depends on their length. 

• A one-day trip costs around ₹300 per student.
• A four-day trip costs about ₹4,000 per student.