After education report flags issues in schools and colleges, Keshava Rao calls it set of recommendations

Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader and Government Advisor, K Keshava Rao, has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the Education Commission report, emphasising that the document is currently a set of recommendations rather than a finalised policy.

Speaking to the media, the 80-year-old veteran leader clarified his specific role within the committee structure and addressed his political future.

What is the Education Commission Report?

For 14 months, a commission appointed by the Telangana government moved through classrooms, hostels, regulatory offices, and private colleges across the state.

Its investigators visited 305 institutions in all 33 districts. They also travelled to Malaysia, Vietnam, and the United States before submitting their final report to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on February 26.

The report raised many concerning issues: at one end, government schools manipulate internal assessments. At another, children in residential institutions queue at 3:00 a.m. for access to washrooms. Official data lists tens of thousands of libraries and computers. Field visits reveal empty rooms, locked cupboards, and machines that do not work.

The report connects these threads into a single diagnosis: structure without substance.

Education reforms and the Murali Commission

Rao sought to downplay his personal influence on the recent report, noting that his role was ‘very minor’ among a vast network of experts. He highlighted the following key points regarding the state of educational reforms:

- Extensive Oversight: There are currently 14 different reports and committees active. Any incoming report is meticulously studied by all 14 committees to ensure a holistic approach to bettering education.

- The Murali Commission: Rao clarified that the Murali Commission is just one of these entities. “It has made its recommendations, nothing more,” he stated.

- Public Domain and Transparency: He assured that any commission report would eventually be placed in the public domain for transparency.

- Teacher Salaries: Acknowledging the criticisms from teachers and unions, Rao reminisced about his own days as a teacher when he fought to raise salaries from Rs 135 to Rs 800. He urged teachers to view education as a ‘social responsibility’ and to study the report thoroughly before reacting.

“The government will invite Teachers’ Unions next week to place the report before them for discussion,” Rao announced.

Political Stand: No Interest in Rajya Sabha

Addressing rumours regarding his political trajectory, the veteran leader was firm about his current priorities. Despite his recent move to the Congress party, he stated he is not seeking a return to the upper house.

Age and Legacy: At over 80 years old, Rao described his return to Congress as a ‘personal decision.’

A History of Principles: He reminded the public of his past integrity, noting that he once resigned as Education Minister over a minor incident and stepped down as PCC President based on political ethics.

The Rajya Sabha Race: “I am not in the race for the Rajya Sabha,” he confirmed, signalling a preference for his current advisory role over legislative seats.