Opinion: Telangana’s future lies in the hands of its youth
Recognising the aspirations and frustrations of unemployed youth is just as important as acknowledging the State's development achievements
By Chitikena Kiran Kumar
After the formation of Telangana State, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi government under the leadership of K Chandrashekar Rao left a distinct mark in several sectors. Particularly in farmer welfare, irrigation projects, rural development, and welfare schemes, Telangana emerged as a model State at the national level. Schemes such as Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bima, Kalyana Lakshmi, and Dalit Bandhu influenced the lives of ordinary people in many ways.
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Mission Bhagiratha provided drinking water to villages, while major projects like Kaleshwaram, the creation of new districts, and village development programmes brought a new administrative direction to the State. At the same time, government recruitments, TSPSC notifications, police appointments, and the expansion of Gurukul institutions generated hope among the youth.
However, delays in recruitment processes, examination controversies, and the frustration of unemployed youth also became major topics of public discussion. Therefore, Telangana’s development journey must be viewed as a unique socio-political phase where achievements and criticisms co-exist.
Fight For Jobs
When Telangana was formed, people did not fight merely for a geographical boundary. They fought for jobs for their children, respect for their language, and rights over their own land. The movement carried the aspirations of students, the tears of farmers, and the hopes of the unemployed. Have all those aspirations been fulfilled? Or is the journey still incomplete? This question has once again come before society.
In recent times, the issue of employment has once again become a major topic of discussion in Telangana. While the government claims that large-scale recruitment has been undertaken, unemployed youth say that “a job is not merely a notification… it is the future of a family.” Present-day Telangana stands between these two emotions.
Governments may change. Slogans may change. But the clock of a young man preparing for employment never changes. Coaching centres in the morning, libraries in the afternoon, and hope at night — this has become the daily routine of thousands of families. During the Telangana movement, the slogan “Water, Funds, and Jobs” was not merely a political slogan; it was a social promise. That is why the issue of employment in Telangana is always deeply emotional.
Unfilled Vacancies
In this context, the recently announced employment statistics in the State have triggered debate. While the government says that lakhs of employment opportunities have been created, unemployed associations continue to question the number of unfilled vacancies. In reality, both arguments contain some truth. Recruitment processes are moving forward, but due to population growth, increasing educational qualifications, and instability in the private sector, the demand for employment has grown even further.
The Telangana movement may have become part of history, but the State’s future is still being shaped by its people. Fulfilling the aspirations of unemployed youth will determine whether the movement’s promise is truly realised
A new trend is now visible in Telangana. Instead of depending only on government jobs, many young people are trying to learn skills and explore opportunities in emerging sectors. Technology, artificial intelligence, digital services, and rural entrepreneurship are opening new avenues. But for these opportunities to reach everyone, major reforms are needed not only in government policy but also in the education system.
A job is not merely a salary. It is the dignity of a family. It is the result of a father’s struggle. It is the value of a mother’s sacrifices. It is the hope of a village. Therefore, discussions about employment should not remain confined to political criticism alone; they must be viewed as a social responsibility. Promises made during elections should not become games played with the future of young people.
Recently, analytical articles published in several newszzpapers on the performance of the Telangana government, employment generation, and State politics sparked public debate. One article analysed Telangana’s future from the perspective of development and opportunities, while another questioned the reality of employment conditions. Both viewpoints reflect the emotions prevailing in society.
Realities Behind Statistics
One thing is becoming increasingly clear in present-day politics. People no longer listening only to words; they observe the realities behind the statistics. More important than the number of jobs created is the question of whose home received light because of that employment. Understanding the growing frustration among unemployed youth is as important as recognising the efforts being made towards development.
Telangana society has always moved forward with awareness and consciousness. The people here criticise, appreciate, and question — that is the strength of democracy. Whether in government or the opposition, both must respond to the aspirations of the people. In the eyes of every young person waiting for employment, there exists a vision of Telangana. Protecting that vision is the collective responsibility of all.
Development does not mean only massive buildings and infrastructure. Real progress means a rural student being able to live with dignity in their own home, a farmer’s child securing employment, and middle-class families living without the fear of debt. Telangana’s future must move in that direction.
For society to move forward, not only political leaders but also intellectuals, writers, teachers, and youth must think together. A questioning voice is necessary. At the same time, there must also be a shared responsibility to search for solutions. Criticism should carry vision, not poison. Appreciation should reflect honesty, not blind devotion.
The Telangana movement may have become history recorded in books, but the future of Telangana is still being written in the lives of its people. In that future, the hopes of unemployed youth must be fulfilled. Young women from villages must achieve success. Ordinary families must live with dignity. Only then will the Telangana movement attain its true meaning in the fullest sense.
(The author is a poet, writer and columnist)
