Students from BC Communities Remain Underserved: TEC Chairman

Hyderabad:A seminar held by the state’s Education Commission (TEC) this week revealed that students from Backward Classes continue to be excluded, marginalised, and underserved. Chaired by commission chairman Akunuri Murali, the discussion brought together educators, researchers, and community leaders, who questioned the state's priorities and the structural gaps that persist even after years of investment.

Prof P.L. Vishweshwar Rao pointed out that while Telangana spent over Rs 1 lakh per student annually, it ranked 35th out of 36 states in learning outcomes. Government school enrolment remained abysmally low, over 2,000 schools had no students, and most junior colleges were privately run. Speakers demanded the establishment of composite schools in every mandal, better regulation, and an overhaul of school management systems. Several raised the issue of caste and religion-based exclusion in both curriculum and access.

Prof Murali Manohar called for the release of the recent caste census to address long standing data gaps, especially regarding students from most marginalised communities. Prof Sudharshan Rao presented findings on digital infrastructure deficits and rising dropout rates, especially among girls. Others also pointed out the invisibility of BC Muslims in education policy, despite their population share.

Proposals from the All India OBC Students Association included investments in hostels, digital access, and civil service preparation. Participants stressed that BCs are not a single group and policies must acknowledge the layered nature of marginalisation. Chairperson Murali closed by criticising schemes like PM SHRI and the growing obsession with residential schools. He warned that these narratives mask the neglect of the vast majority still dependent on crumbling public institutions.