Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has outlined an ambitious education agenda that he says will help prepare younger generations for the state’s long-term economic ambitions.
Speaking in the Telangana Assembly on Friday night, Reddy said his government was working on a new education policy that would look beyond the current focus on Gen Z and also address the needs of Gen Alpha and Gen Beta.
The chief minister linked the education reforms with the state’s broader economic targets under the Telangana Rising 2047 vision. The government aims to transform Telangana into a $1 trillion economy by 2034 and a $3 trillion economy by 2047.
Education Budget Target Set at 15 Per Cent
Reddy, who also holds the education portfolio, said the government wants to significantly increase the proportion of the state budget devoted to education.
He pointed out that the previous BRS government had allocated Rs 18,955 crore, representing 6.53 per cent of the budget, to education in 2023-24.
The allocation rose to Rs 23,729 crore, or 7.78 per cent, in 2025-26 under the Congress government.
“My target is to increase it to 15 per cent,” Reddy said.
He said an education commission had already been established to prepare the framework for a new education policy and had submitted its report. A committee headed by former MP K Keshav Rao will now examine the recommendations, after which legislators will be able to offer their suggestions.
Reddy Wants Education Policy to Cover Future Generations
Explaining his approach, Reddy said the government’s education planning should not stop with the generation currently entering adulthood.
“There is a lot of talk about Gen Z. The debate stopped at Gen Z. I did not stop there. Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Gen Beta. I am thinking of all of them to ensure that we reach our goals of making the state a $1 trillion economy by 2034 and the Telangana Rising 2047 vision. My idea is to involve all of them through the education policy,” he said.
The proposed approach is aimed at making education a key component of Telangana’s long-term economic development strategy.
Pre-Primary Classes Introduced in Government Schools
Reddy also highlighted initiatives already introduced in government schools.
According to the chief minister, pre-primary education has been introduced in government schools, with around 64,000 children enrolling during the first year.
The government has also extended its mid-day meal programme to students and teachers from nursery through Class 12. Reddy said centralised kitchens had been developed to provide hygienic and quality breakfasts and meals.
He further claimed that government school enrolment had increased by 86,000 students.
Responding to BJP floor leader A Maheshwar Reddy’s criticism over the absence of a full-time education minister, Reddy said, “It is a testament to my performance as education minister.”
Over 10,000 Teacher Vacancies Filled
The chief minister also highlighted teacher recruitment carried out after the Congress government came to power in December 2023.
Reddy said 10,006 vacant teacher positions were filled within 55 days during the government’s first year.
He contrasted this with the previous BRS administration, alleging that only 7,857 teacher posts had been filled during its decade in power.
Reddy also spoke about his personal commitment to the education sector.
“I have a passion for education. I strongly believe the country’s future lies in the classroom. Education transforms destinies,” he said.
Polytechnic Colleges to Get Skills-Focused Upgrade
Reddy rejected allegations from the BRS that the government was preparing to privatise polytechnic colleges.
Instead, he said the institutions were being moved from the Technical Education wing to the newly established Young India Skills University.
The stated objective, according to Reddy, is to provide students with access to modern technology, internships and practical training, with the government seeking to create a more industry-oriented skills ecosystem.
Fee Reimbursement Dues Remain a Major Issue
The chief minister also responded to the BJP’s criticism over pending tuition fee reimbursement payments.
Reddy said his government inherited Rs 5,430 crore in outstanding dues from the previous BRS administration. Of this, he claimed that Rs 3,488 crore had been cleared during the first 32 months of the Congress government.
However, he said colleges would receive payments under the reimbursement scheme only after receiving clearance in vigilance investigations.
Reddy alleged that some institutions had resorted to unethical practices to obtain money through the scheme and said the government would ensure that payments were made only after the necessary checks.
The education reforms, increased budget allocation and skills-focused initiatives form part of Reddy’s broader attempt to position education as a foundation for Telangana’s economic ambitions through 2034 and 2047.
