Comprehensive edu policy beyond academics: Revanth

Hyderabad:Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has instructed the Telangana Education Commission to prepare a comprehensive policy document focused on designing a better, more inclusive and future-ready education system.

Chairing a review meeting at the Police Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) here on Friday, the Chief Minister said that the government was committed to providing quality education and stated that expenses would never be a deterrent for establishing a top-tier education system for the benefit of the state students.

“The policy should be rooted in ground realities, be practical and implementable,” Reddy said, while outlining key reform areas. These include improved teacher recruitment processes, strengthened Amma Adarsha committees, timely distribution of textbooks and uniforms, and establishment of Young India Integrated Residential Schools and the Young India Skill University.

Highlighting the growing need for life skills in modern education, the Chief Minister said the new policy must go beyond academics.

“Both language and subject knowledge are equally important. We should also ensure our children develop critical thinking and creativity,” he said.

He stressed that building a strong foundation at the primary education level would be crucial to improving student outcomes in higher education. Reddy proposed consultations with social groups and education experts to bring about reforms at the anganwadi and primary school levels.

Education Commission chairman Akunuri Murali presented insights from various state and international education models, based on field research.

Former IAS officer Dr Jayaprakash Narayan criticised the outdated reforms that are in vogue since the 1960s, which, he said, had hindered students’ creativity. He recommended urgent reforms in examination patterns, school inspections, and skill-building strategies.

In a meeting with Vice Chancellors of state universities, the Chief Minister instructed them to adopt a student-centric approach, stressing the need to offer future-oriented, job market-relevant courses to help students secure brighter futures.

He expressed concern that many of the state universities continue to offer outdated courses that no longer align with current employment trends, primarily to retain existing teaching staff.

“Universities should not function as rehabilitation centres for professors. If a course is no longer relevant in the job market, it should be phased out, regardless of staffing. Professors associated with such programmes can be shifted to administrative responsibilities,” he said.

The Chief Minister pointed out that most students in government universities come from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

“It is our duty to ensure that the education they receive truly empowers them. We must offer programmes that are aligned with today’s job market,” he said, drawing comparisons with private universities that attract affluent students by providing career-oriented courses.

The VCs raised issues such as faculty shortages, inadequate infrastructure and lack of basic facilities.

The Chief Minister assured them that the government is prepared to allocate the required funds to resolve such issues.

Reddy urged all stakeholders to contribute ideas that will help Telangana emerge as a national leader in education, both in quality and accessibility.