The Telangana Government is set to revolutionize its education system, planning extensive reforms through a new education policy expected in the coming days.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized that this ambitious policy aims to significantly boost youth employability and alleviate poverty across the state. He has actively called for feedback and suggestions from experts and stakeholders to ensure the policy’s effectiveness.
During his address, CM Reddy reflected on the past, noting how esteemed institutions like Osmania and Kakatiya universities were once instrumental in shaping students’ careers. However, he lamented that the current educational framework struggles to meet modern international standards, a challenge highlighted by the economic shifts.
A stark revelation from the Chief Minister was that over 1.1 lakh engineering students graduate annually in Telangana, yet a staggering 85% struggle to find employment. He also pointed out the dwindling role of the government in the education sector, with a shocking 98% of the ₹21,000 crore annual budget being consumed by staff salaries.
The Chief Minister underscored the urgent need for a complete transformation to address these evolving demands. He reiterated his call for expert suggestions, stressing that the new policy must secure a promising future for 75 lakh young people. The ultimate goal, he stated, is for Telangana’s education policy to serve as a national benchmark.
Telangana’s School Education Landscape
Acknowledging deep-seated issues within the school education system, the Chief Minister provided figures: 34 lakh students are enrolled in 11,000 private schools, while 18 lakh attend 27,000 government schools. Consequently, the government is committed to implementing comprehensive changes from elementary to higher secondary levels (I to XII standards).
Furthermore, the Central Government has been approached to exempt loans acquired for educational infrastructure and development from the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) norms. CM Reddy declared his readiness to face any political backlash, asserting, “I am prepared to face any challenge politically if the new policy benefits students and society.”