Revanth asks teachers to give him two years to resolve issues

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy asked teachers to give his government two years to address their concerns and assess its performance in the next Assembly elections. He also defended education reforms, denied plans to privatise polytechnic colleges and highlighted welfare measures

Hyderabad: After repeatedly asserting that he would continue as Chief Minister until 2034, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday asked teachers to assess his performance and award him marks in the next elections.

Addressing the Teachers’ Day celebrations in Kodangal, he appealed to teachers not to raise their issues for the next two years and sought their cooperation in resolving their concerns.

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“As per convenience, I will address all the issues, including PRC, salaries and increments, as your representative. Of your 30-year career, work for two years with dedication for the future of students,” Revanth Reddy urged teachers.

The Chief Minister said the next Assembly elections could be held in December 2028 or March 2029 and asked teachers to work with commitment and dedication during the intervening period.

“Give me some opportunity in these two years and I will take the responsibility to resolve all your issues. If teachers hit the roads, it does not augur well for the State. If teachers organise Chalo Hyderabad, students will feel that the State government is doing injustice to their teachers,” he said.

Revanth Reddy said the recent protest by teachers at Indira Park had hurt him.

He said while it was easy to transfer Collectors and IPS officers, transferring even one teacher was a challenge. Teachers, he said, had the ability and capacity to influence public opinion about the government in any direction.

On the controversy surrounding junior colleges, the Chief Minister asked teachers and lecturers to analyse the government’s proposal to introduce the 11th standard after Class 10.

He assured employees that their increments and job security would be protected and sought their suggestions while framing the law for the purpose.

He also countered the Opposition’s criticism over polytechnic colleges, particularly allegations of privatisation. Revanth Reddy said ITIs were being upgraded as Advanced Training Centres, while polytechnic colleges, which come under technical education, were being brought under the Skills University domain.

“Do not get deceived. There is no privatisation plan. The Opposition is trying to blackmail the government by creating apprehensions among you,” he said, addressing polytechnic students and staff.

The Chief Minister said engineering students were returning from the US after artificial intelligence was introduced in different sectors. However, he said there was considerable scope for polytechnic students and those pursuing education through the Skills University.

He said the Vidya Commission had also been appointed to resolve pending issues concerning teachers. “More importantly, Keshava Rao, who is Telangana’s Pita Mahudu, has been appointed as Advisor to address educational issues and bring out an Education Policy,” he said.

Revanth Reddy said politicians could have different opinions and some might not want a stable government. He claimed that soon after coming to power, his government had addressed the PRC issue.

He held the previous government responsible for several issues faced by teachers, including the non-extension of retirement benefits. He also pointed out that the retirement age had been increased from 58 to 60.

Despite financial challenges, Rs 6,000 crore was released towards retirement benefit payments within 100 days, he claimed. **EOM**