Activists in Hyderabad Seek Private School Fee Regulation and State Education Reforms

Educationists and activists gathered at the Press Club in Hyderabad on Friday to demand the regulation of private school fees and the comprehensive strengthening of government schools across Telangana.

Speaking at a roundtable meeting, retired IAS officer Akunuri Murali and members of the Telangana People’s Front urged the state administration to implement the recommendations of the Telangana Education Commission (TEC) without delay.

Committee member P Srujana Yadav stated that a people’s campaign has been launched to advocate for the commission's findings. Yadav noted that the TEC report contains more than 400 recommendations that need to be put into effect.

During the panel discussions, social activist N Rubina emphasized the need for legislative action to oversee private educational institutions. Rubina called for a Private School Fee Regulation Bill to be passed by the state legislature, demanding that private schools be placed under an independent regulatory mechanism.

Speakers also discussed measures required to improve the quality of public schooling. Ambika N, a participant at the event, noted that strengthening government schools through the capacity building of teachers, conducting compulsory assessments, and rewarding committed educators remains crucial for long-term improvement.

Additionally, panelists highlighted funding constraints in the state's education sector. They pointed out that Telangana currently allocates around 6% to 7% of its state Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to education. The panel called for this expenditure to be increased to 18% initially, followed by progressive annual increases in subsequent budgets.