Hyderabad- Telangana Chief Minister K. Revanth Reddy recently issued a warning to private
engineering colleges, emphasizing the need to maintain educational standards and align with
industry requirements. He stated that colleges failing to meet these standards could face revocation of their licenses. The CM’s caution was part of broader efforts to address rising unemployment among graduates, many of whom lack the skills necessary for securing jobs.
Reddy expressed concern about the increasing number of engineering students involved in drug
related activities and stressed the importance of skill development programs. The government has launched initiatives in sectors such as Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) to help students secure employment by the time they graduate. Additionally, the government aims to upgrade ITIs into Advanced Technology Centers and transform Hyderabad into a hub for education and skill development.
The Employment Crisis and the Skill Gap
The Telangana government has been grappling with an escalating unemployment problem,
particularly among graduates. The Chief Minister pointed out that, each year, approximately three
lakh students complete their graduation in the state, with many failing to secure jobs due to a lack of relevant skills. Engineering graduates, who once had a guaranteed path to stable employment, are now struggling to find jobs in their respective fields. According to the CM, the core issue lies in the failure of colleges to provide students with practical, industry-aligned skills.
Engineering colleges have become factories that produce around one lakh unemployed graduates
every year. This is unacceptable,” CM Revanth Reddy said during the launch of a skill development course in Hyderabad. He emphasized that simply possessing a degree is no longer sufficient.Graduates need to be equipped with the skills that align with the demands of industries, particularly in high-growth sectors like information technology, banking, and finance.
Drug Menace Among Students: A Growing Concern
In addition to the skill gap, Reddy voiced his concern over the alarming increase in drug addiction
among students, particularly engineering students. He revealed that several students had been
caught in connection with drug peddling activities, underlining the urgent need for educational
institutions to take responsibility for both the academic and social well-being of their students.
The involvement of engineering students in drug-related activities is deeply concerning. It’s a
reflection of the lack of engagement and opportunities for our youth. Colleges must step up and
provide a more holistic education that not only focuses on academics but also on the overall
development of students,” the CM remarked.
Reformative Measures for Engineering Colleges
The CM’s warnings were not without basis. Over the past few years, many engineering colleges have been reducing or even shutting down critical engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, which are fundamental to the country’s infrastructure and industrial development. Instead, colleges have increasingly focused on popular branches like computer science and electronics, which offer quick placements in IT companies. However, this shift has contributed to the oversupply of IT professionals while leaving core engineering sectors starved of talent.
Reddy urged engineering colleges to retain these core branches and enhance their quality of
education. “India is still a developing country, and we need civil engineers, mechanical engineers,
and electrical engineers for our nation’s growth. If we continue to ignore these fields, it will put the future of our country in danger,” the CM asserted.
Skill Development and Upgradation of ITIs
In line with his vision of transforming Telangana into a hub for skill development and technical
education, the Chief Minister announced that 65 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state would be upgraded into Advanced Technology centers (ATCs) in collaboration with Tata Technologies. This initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to ensure that students graduating from ITIs and engineering colleges are well-prepared to meet the needs of modern industries.
Additionally, the CM stated that the Young India Skill University would be established to further
promote skill development. “Our goal is to provide world-class technical education and skill
development opportunities, making Telangana a destination for both education and technical
training,” Reddy said.
Job Creation and Government Support
To combat the growing unemployment crisis, the Telangana government has also taken significant steps to create job opportunities for the youth. Reddy noted that his government had already issued appointment letters to 30,000 candidates in various departments, just three months after coming to power. Additionally, the government has announced its intention to fill another 35,000 vacancies in the next two to three months, with plans to fill over 2 lakh jobs in the coming years.
However, the CM acknowledged that merely filling vacancies is not a long-term solution to the
unemployment crisis. He emphasized the need for continuous skill development and urged
educational institutions to align their curriculums with the needs of the evolving job market.
“Without the right skills, even the most talented youth will struggle to find employment. That’s why the government is focusing on not just creating jobs but also preparing our youth to excel in them,” he added.
