Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday announced a monthly scholarship of Rs 2,000 for students of advanced technology centres (ATCs, formerly ITIs), starting from the next academic year. IT and industries minister D Sridhar Babu has been tasked with coordinating with deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka to ensure the scholarships are implemented. Revanth described the initiative as an investment in the future, aimed at achieving the Telangana Rising-2047 vision, making the state a $3 trillion economy and contributing 10% of the nation’s GDP. The CM inaugurated the modernised ATC at Mallepally and simultaneously inaugurated 64 more ATCs across the state through an online platform, totalling 65 ATCs this academic year. These centres cater to around 11,000 students, with nearly 100% admissions. Additionally, he announced the establishment of 51 new ATCs starting next year. Revanth also revealed plans to set up a special govt cell to support ATC graduates in securing placements—not only in Telangana and across India but also internationally in countries such as Japan, Russia, Germany, Taiwan, and South Korea, where skilled manpower is in high demand. The cell will assist students with passports, visas, and other necessary facilities. “Pursuing opportunities abroad doesn’t mean only going to the US. Many who don’t speak English are earning lakhs of rupees per month abroad because they have both education and skills. Learn Japanese, German, and other languages,” he said. The CM directed transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar to revive apprenticeship opportunities in the RTC for ATC students. He urged students to avoid drugs, focus on their studies, and acquire industry-relevant skills to partner with the government in Telangana’s reconstruction. He emphasised that educational certificates alone are insufficient; market-oriented skills enhance employability. Criticizing the previous BRS government for neglecting ITIs, Revanth said the Congress government is committed to building a bright future for ATC students and unemployed youth. He encouraged Telangana students, whether in ATCs or engineering and degree colleges, to compete globally with countries like Japan and Germany in technology development. Japan, he noted, is willing to teach the Japanese language and provide job opportunities to skilled youth. “It was the Congress govt that established ITIs in the undivided state in 1956. Today, these ITIs have been upgraded to ATCs. The inauguration of 65 ATCs in a single day reflects the state govt’s commitment to advanced technical education. Education is the main weapon for poverty alleviation. Skills, combined with knowledge, can open doors to global opportunities. A day will come when even Germany and Japan will recognise the power of our skilled youth,” he added.
