CM Revanth unveils taskforce against drugs in schools, urges teachers to join fight

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has called upon teachers to act as the first line of defence against narcotics, warning that ‘the future of Telangana rests in the hands of today’s students.’

Addressing the Guru Pooja Utsavam-2025, he unveiled the State’s specialised ‘EAGLE Force’ to curb the drug menace while outlining a comprehensive plan to rebuild the education sector.

‘I deliberately chose education portfolio’

Revanth Reddy said, unlike most Chief Ministers who hold revenue or irrigation portfolios, he deliberately retained education.

“I am supervising this department personally because only education can rewrite the destiny of the poor and of the State,” he declared.

‘Enrolment has grown in govt schools’

Highlighting key reforms, the chief minister cited recruitment of 11,000 teachers in 55 days, clearance of decade-long transfer backlogs, and a directive for teachers to share mid-day meals with students to improve accountability.

“For the first time in years, enrolment in government schools has grown by three lakh,” he noted.

Honouring teachers’ role in Telangana movement

CM Revanth also praised educators as ‘torchbearers of Jai Telangana’ during the Statehood agitation, urging them now to be partners in transforming government schools into corporate-level institutions.

Towards a new education policy

A draft Telangana State Education Policy is being prepared to ensure access, equity and quality.

Key steps include:

- Establishing Young India Residential Schools for global-standard learning

- Creating a Skills University to boost employability

- Upgrading 65 ITIs into Advanced Training Centres in partnership with the Tata Group

- Encouraging sports and rural talent

“Academics alone are not enough,” the CM said, announcing a Young India Sports University and rural talent scouting. “Unearth the gems in our villages and show students that sports can also secure a bright future.”

Building values alongside knowledge

Calling teachers ‘guardians of tomorrow,’ CM Revanth stressed the need to instil discipline, ethics and social responsibility alongside academics. “Education alone can change the fate of a family and the destiny of Telangana,” he affirmed.