Hyderabad, Sep 5: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday announced that the state government is working on a new education policy aimed at bringing sweeping reforms to revive the sector, which he alleged was “completely ruined” during the 10-year rule of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
Addressing Teachers’ Day celebrations in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister appealed to the teaching community to join hands with the government in “rebuilding Telangana” through quality education.
“Many Chief Ministers in the past kept key portfolios like Revenue, Finance, and Irrigation under their control. I have chosen to personally monitor the Education Department because revival of this sector is my priority,” Reddy said, responding to criticism from the Opposition over holding the education portfolio himself.
The Chief Minister accused the previous BRS regime of betraying students and teachers. He said promises like free KG-to-PG education were never implemented and teacher recruitment was stalled since 2017.
“Within 55 days of coming to power, the people’s government recruited 11,000 teachers. The previous government neglected even basic needs like enhancing diet and cosmetic charges. They reduced education to a business, while state universities like Osmania and Kakatiya lost their glory due to lack of faculty appointments,” he charged.
Reddy praised the role of teachers during the Telangana movement, noting that they carried the slogan of “Jai Telangana” to every village and influenced parents during the struggle. He assured them that his government would address their concerns proactively.
Highlighting progress under his administration, the CM said government school enrolments had increased by 3 lakh students in the past year, reversing the earlier decline. Currently, 24 lakh students are studying in 27,000 government schools, while 34 lakh students are enrolled in 10,000 private schools.
He also announced that self-help groups have been entrusted with managing “Amma Adarsh Schools” with a budget allocation of ₹130 crore. “Education alone can change the destiny of our children. Teachers must play a key role in shaping their future,” he added.
The Chief Minister urged teachers to have mid-day meals with students to identify and address shortcomings in the system. “Let us pledge to develop government schools to compete with corporate institutions,” he said.
As part of broader reforms, Reddy announced the setting up of Young India Residential Schools on global standards, a Skills University for unemployed youth, and the upgradation of 65 ITIs into Advanced Training Centres (ATCs) in collaboration with Tata Group. He also revealed plans for a Young India Sports University and Sports Academy to nurture world-class athletes.
Calling drug abuse a growing menace, he appealed to teachers to create awareness among students. The state’s Eagle Force, he said, is already cracking down on drug trafficking and ganja smuggling.
