Telangana needs a new education policy: CM Revanth Reddy

Education alone can change the fate, whether it is of the poor or of the State. Let us pledge to elevate government schools to the level of corporate schools and equip our students to compete on the global stage, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy told teachers, administrators and the School Education Department on Friday.

He said this at the Teachers’ Day function at Shilpakala Vedika in the city on Friday. “Telangana needs a new education policy that will change the lives of poor children. That is why we formed a committee to formulate a policy. A strong foundation will ensure a good building,” he said.

Mr. Reddy, who also holds the education portfolio, reminded the role of teachers in achieving the separate State of Telangana, when they took the slogan of ‘Jai Telangana’ to every doorstep in villages and strengthened the movement.

But after Telangana became a reality, the condition of teachers deteriorated and the Education Department has been in chaos for a decade, he observed.

“There have been no transfers for 10 years and no teacher appointments since 2017. The previous government weakened universities by not appointing professors. Osmania and Kakatiya universities lost their glory,” he added. “But, soon after the Congress took over the reins, 11,000 teachers were appointed in just 55 days, and diet and cosmetic charges were increased.”

Despite criticism, that the Education Ministry should be assigned to another leader, Mr. Reddy affirmed that he wished to continue.

“Many Chief Ministers keep the Revenue, Finance and Irrigation portfolios with them. I, as your brother, kept the Education Department. I am trying to understand the problems in this sector and address them. I am personally supervising this department,” he said.

Describing the role of teachers as paramount, he said that their services are needed again in the reconstruction of Telangana, and in laying strong educational foundation, along with skills, for students.

Talking about new projects such as Young India Residential School, Skills University, upgradation of 65 public Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) as Advanced Technology Centres, and the proposed Young India Sports University and Sports Academy, he exhorted teachers to identify and encourage rural talent in sports.

“The future of students is the future of Telangana, and that future is in your hands. You and I will rebuild Telangana together,” he said while giving away awards to 49 ‘best’ teachers.

Along with Minister I&PR Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Adviser K. Keshava Rao, Principal Secretary (Education) Yogita Rana, Director (School Education) E. Naveen Nicolas, and leaders of universities and education councils, the CM interacted with students, who through various kiosks and demonstrations, explained the recent initiatives and classroom learning methods.