Telangana: Student Leaders Criticise CM Revanth for Promising Jobs to Athletes Without Qualifications

Hyderabad: Student leaders of the ABVP and the Dalita Minority Students Association (DMSA) have expressed strong disapproval of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's recent promise to provide jobs to athletes regardless of their qualifications. Such appointments would undermine the merit-based system and could disadvantage qualified youths, they said.

During a press meet at Osmania University here and Kakatiya University at Hanamkonda, the student leaders urged the government to reconsider its stance. "It is unfair to sideline well-qualified and unemployed youth who have worked hard to meet the necessary requirements," said Arjun Palam, a student leader.

The controversy began when Revanth Reddy announced that the state government would offer land and Group-1 level government job to ICC T-20 World Cup-2024 winning team member Mohammed Siraj, and boxer Nikhat Zareen.

"Sports persons should be considered for roles within the sports sector. Appointing them to unrelated positions just for the sake of honouring them is not the right approach," stated Siri Teja, another student leader.

The student leaders have decided to file a public interest litigation (PIL) against the government's decision in the High Court. "We are not against recognising the achievements of athletes, but the method chosen by the government is flawed and unjust," said Rohit K.

The student leaders also pointed out the high unemployment rate among educated youth in Telangana. "It's disheartening to see the government overlook the struggles of educated unemployed youth," said Anjaneya V, a postgraduate student.