Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday appealed to teachers to give his government two years to address their pending issues, including pay revision, salaries and increments. He also asked teachers to assess the government’s performance and “give marks” in the next Assembly elections.

Addressing the Teachers’ Day celebrations in Kodangal, Revanth Reddy said the next Assembly elections could be held in December 2028 or March 2029. He urged teachers to work with dedication for the next two years in the interest of students and assured them that the government would take responsibility for resolving their concerns.

“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,” the Chief Minister said. He appealed to teachers to avoid protests such as “Chalo Hyderabad”, saying such agitations could create a negative impression among students about the government.

Revanth Reddy said the recent teachers’ protest at Indira Park had caused him distress. He observed that while transferring Collectors and IPS officers was relatively easy, transferring even a single teacher could be a difficult process. Teachers, he added, have significant influence in shaping public opinion about the government.

Government’s Education Reforms

On the controversy over junior colleges, the Chief Minister asked teachers and lecturers to examine the government’s proposal to introduce an 11th standard after Class 10. He assured employees that their increments and job security would be protected and sought their suggestions while framing the legislation.

Responding to Opposition criticism over the proposed changes in polytechnic colleges, Revanth Reddy rejected allegations of privatisation. He said Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) were being upgraded into Advanced Training Centres, while polytechnic colleges under technical education were being brought under the Skills University framework.

“There is no privatisation plan. The Opposition is trying to create apprehensions among you,” he said, appealing to students and staff not to be misled.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the growing demand for technical and skill-based education, saying that the introduction of artificial intelligence across sectors had affected employment opportunities in several fields. He said there was significant scope for polytechnic students and those pursuing education through the Skills University.

Focus on Teachers’ Pending Issues

Revanth Reddy said the Vidya Commission had been constituted to address pending issues concerning teachers. He also highlighted the appointment of Keshava Rao as an advisor to work on educational issues and help formulate a new Education Policy for Telangana.

The Chief Minister blamed the previous government for several issues faced by teachers, including delays concerning retirement benefits. He said the retirement age had been increased from 58 to 60 years.

Despite financial constraints, the government released ₹6,000 crore towards retirement benefit payments within 100 days, he claimed.

Revanth Reddy reiterated that his government had addressed the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) issue soon after assuming office and said efforts would continue to resolve the remaining concerns of employees and teachers.