BRS Converted Education Into Business, says Revanth
On Teachers’ Day, the Chief Minister highlighted a slew of reforms, teacher recruitment, and plans for a new education policy to revive the state’s education sector.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday said that the education system was “left to languish for 10 years” during the previous BRS rule and even Osmania University was pushed to the brink of closure.
Addressing a gathering at the Teachers’ Day here on Friday, he accused the previous BRS government of turning education into a business while ignoring the basic needs of teachers. “For a decade there were no transfers, no recruitments, no concern for teachers. That was the reality of the past,” he said.
Revanth Reddy, who reminded the audience that he studied in a rural government school himself, said his government had no intention of treating teachers with disdain. “We will not look down upon teachers. They are the compass of society,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister announced that promotions for all eligible teachers would be cleared and confirmed that Telangana would implement the New Education Policy. He promised that 200 teachers would be sent abroad each year to study international practices.
CSR contributions worth `130 crore, he added, were being channelled into government schools for better facilities. “Salaries alone are not enough; proper conditions must also be there for children,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed concern over recent reports of food poisoning in hostels. “It is painful to see such news. From now on, teachers must eat meals with students. It will bring confidence and trust,” he said.
The Chief Minister also recalled the role teachers played during the Telangana movement. “It was teachers who carried the ‘Jai Telangana’ slogan to every village and made children sing ‘Jaya Jaya He Telangana’ in classrooms. The same spirit is needed today to rebuild education,” he said.
He urged them to prove that public schools could match and even surpass private institutions in quality. Referring to sporting icons, he said, “From our own government schools came Mohammed Siraj and Nikhat Zareen,” referring to the famous cricketer and international boxer. “We must unearth more such diamonds from our soil.”
Promising to personally monitor the education department despite advice to delegate it, he said, “I kept this portfolio with me because every issue has to be watched closely. If teachers do their job well, I will work alongside you for the state’s education development. And yes, I too want a second term, but only through this path.”
The event, which featured cultural programmes and displays by students, was attended by minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, legislators, university Vice Chancellors, officials, teachers, and students.