Telangana plans new education policy, targets 15% budget allocation

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has set a target of raising the state’s education spending to 15% of the budget as his government works on a new education policy aimed at preparing students for future economic demands.

Reddy, who also holds the education portfolio, outlined the government’s education plans during a more than two-hour speech in the Assembly.

He linked the proposed reforms to the state’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2034 and achieving the ‘Telangana Rising 2047’ vision of a $3 trillion economy.

The chief minister said education received ₹18,955 crore, or 6.53%, of the state budget in 2023-24 under the previous BRS government. The allocation rose to ₹23,729 crore, or 7.78%, in 2025-26 under the Congress government.

“My target is to increase it to 15 per cent,” he said.

The government has constituted an education commission to formulate a new education policy, and the panel has already submitted its report.

Reddy said a committee headed by former MP K Keshav Rao would now review the recommendations and invited legislators to submit their suggestions.

“There is a lot of talk about Gen Z. The debate stopped at Gen Z. I did not stop there. Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Gen Beta. I am thinking of all of them to ensure that we reach our goals of making the state a $1 trillion economy by 2034 and the Telangana Rising 2047 vision. My idea is to involve all of them through the education policy,” he said.

Reddy said pre-primary education had been introduced in government schools, with 64,000 children enrolling during the first year.

The government has also extended mid-day meals to students and teachers from nursery through Class 12 and developed centralized kitchens to provide breakfasts and meals.

He claimed government school enrollment had increased by 86,000 and said, “It is a testament to my performance as education minister,” while responding to BJP floor leader A Maheshwar Reddy's criticism over the absence of a full-time education minister.

“I have a passion for education. I strongly believe the country’s future lies in the classroom. Education transforms destinies,” he said.

The chief minister also highlighted teacher recruitment under the Congress government, saying 10,006 vacant posts were filled within 55 days during its first year in office after taking charge in December 2023.

He contrasted this with the previous BRS government's tenure, alleging that only 7,857 teacher positions were filled over 10 years.

On technical education, Reddy rejected allegations that the government planned to privatize polytechnic colleges.

He said the institutions were instead being shifted from the Technical Education wing to the newly established Young India Skills University, with the aim of expanding access to advanced technology, internships and practical training.

Addressing criticism over pending tuition fee reimbursement, Reddy said the Congress government had inherited ₹5,430 crore in outstanding dues from the previous BRS administration and had cleared ₹3,488 crore over the past 32 months.

He said further payments under the fee reimbursement scheme would be released to colleges that receive clearance in vigilance investigations, alleging that some institutions had adopted unethical practices to claim funds under the scheme.