The Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) Telangana has launched a comprehensive booklet outlining key budget recommendations for the financial year 2025-26, emphasising urgent reforms in education and youth welfare. The report highlights critical gaps in infrastructure, teacher shortages, and policy inefficiencies, urging the government to allocate at least 20% of the state budget to the education sector.
The analysis reveals alarming statistics on student learning outcomes, with ASER 2024 reporting that only 18% of students in Classes III-V can read a Class II-level text, and 49% struggle with basic subtraction. Additionally, outdated curricula are limiting employability opportunities for graduates. SIO Telangana stresses the need for curriculum modernization, increased infrastructure funding, and strategic investments in skill development programs.
Youth welfare policies also remain fragmented, with Telangana’s youth unemployment rate at 16.6%, significantly higher than the national average of 10.2%. The booklet recommends stronger entrepreneurship programs, mental health initiatives, and skill-building opportunities to empower young professionals.
The digital divide further exacerbates educational inequality, with 32% of government school students lacking access to online education during the pandemic. To address this, SIO Telangana urges the expansion of digital infrastructure, subsidized internet access, and tech-driven learning solutions.
Highlighting concerns over pending scholarship disbursements, the report notes that despite a ₹300 crore allocation for Tuition Fee Reimbursement (RTF) in 2024-25, only ₹41.86 crore has been utilised, leaving over 1.2 lakh applications unresolved. SIO calls for a transparent, time-bound scholarship process to prevent further disruptions in students’ academic pursuits.
Additionally, 73% of university teaching posts remain vacant, severely affecting higher education quality. The booklet recommends urgent recruitment drives to fill vacancies and improve academic standards. Infrastructure deficits in government schools—where 26% lack furniture and only 53% have separate toilets for girls—necessitate an immediate Infrastructure Revival Mission to ensure basic facilities and a gender-friendly learning environment.
Speaking at the launch, Faraz Ahmed, State President of SIO Telangana, stated,
“Education is the backbone of any progressive society. Allocating at least 20% of the state budget towards education is not just a recommendation but a necessity. This investment will pave the way for an empowered and skilled generation that will shape the future of Telangana.”
Echoing these concerns, MohdHammaduddin, State Secretary of SIO Telangana, added, “Our recommendations reflect the ground realities faced by students and youth across the state. The government must ensure that budget allocations address urgent educational needs, bridging gaps in access, quality, and equity to secure a better future for all.”