Commission Report is Not Policy: Keshav Rao

KK assures Teachers amid Salary Row

The Telangana Government Advisor Dr. K. Keshav Rao today provided clear assurance to the teaching community amid concerns over the Telangana Education Commission’s recommendations on government teachers’ salaries.

Speaking on the ongoing row in his chambers in the Secretariat on Wednesday, Rao clarified that the report submitted by the Commission chaired by Akunuri Murali contains only suggestions and does not constitute official education policy. “This is merely a report — not education policy,” he stressed.

Rao underlined his own limited role in the process. “My contribution to the Education Commission report is very small. I was one among members in a committee set up for better education. I currently have 14 reports before me, and any commission report will be studied by these 14 committees. The Murali Commission is just one of them,” he explained.

Recalling his days as a teacher, Rao said, “When I worked as a teacher, the salary was only ₹135. We fought and raised it to ₹800.” He added that, barring one or two points, the rest of the Murali Commission report is positive and discussions are continuing in a constructive spirit.

The advisor revealed that the government has taken serious note of criticisms from political circles and employee groups regarding teachers’ salaries. To resolve the matter amicably, the government will convene a meeting with all teacher unions within the next week and place the full report before them for detailed discussion.

“Every commission report will be placed in the public domain,” Rao assured. He appealed to teachers to make sincere efforts to understand the entire report. “Education is a social responsibility. Teachers must recognise this,” he said.

Rao also addressed personal matters, stating that at over 80 years of age, his decision to join the Congress party was entirely personal. He clarified he is not in the race for Rajya Sabha and recalled his earlier resignations — as Education Minister over a minor incident and as PCC president — as part of his political principles.

The government remains committed to teachers’ welfare and quality education. No decisions will be taken without thorough consultation with stakeholders. The focus is on improving the education system while safeguarding the interests of the teaching fraternity.