Telangana CM Revanth Reddy hits back at Opposition demanding education resignation
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday, 30 July sharply rebuked the Opposition for demanding his resignation from the education portfolio, questioning whether he was being asked to quit for delivering reforms rather than failing at them. His remarks came during an interaction with teachers who had recently undertaken study visits to Finland and Germany.
The Challenge to the Opposition
“Some people are demanding me to step down as education minister. Is it because breakfast is being provided from nursery to Class 12? Is it for properly managing teacher recruitment and promotions? Is it for transforming ITIs into ATCs?” Reddy asked, referring to the conversion of industrial training institutes (ITIs) into advanced technology centres (ATCs).
He also questioned whether the calls for his resignation stemmed from the government’s decision to establish a Skills University and appoint owners of successful global corporate entities to its Board of Governors.
Education Spending and Enrolment Gains
Reddy stated that the Telangana government spends ₹1.08 lakh per student annually in government schools. He credited the reform drive with attracting an additional one lakh students to government schools, presenting the enrolment surge as evidence of growing public confidence in state-run education.
Asserting that education must go beyond vocational skills, he said students completing Class 12 should possess a comprehensive understanding of the world, and that teachers carry the primary responsibility for building that awareness.
Global Outlook and Telangana as a Role Model
Reddy remarked that for 25 years, Indians had looked towards America for opportunity, but the time had come to pivot attention towards countries such as Germany, Japan, and Singapore, where he said abundant opportunities now exist.
He called on the teaching community to dedicate the next five years to transforming government educational institutions, with the explicit goal of making Telangana a national model. “Work with the goal of making Telangana a role model for the nation. Offer your own suggestions on what more can be done to provide quality education to students. Prepare a report by December outlining what should be done for the upcoming academic year,” he said.
Political Confidence and Teacher Opportunities
Expressing political confidence, Reddy said the Indian National Congress (INC) government in Telangana would remain in power until 2034. He made clear that the government would spare no expense in improving student outcomes.
He also announced that teachers would be given opportunities to travel abroad for further studies, on par with IAS and IPS officers — a move he framed as a long-overdue recognition of the profession’s importance. With guidelines for the next academic year expected by December 2025, the coming months will test whether the reform rhetoric translates into measurable outcomes.