Kishan Reddy Slams CM Revanth Reddy's 'Criminal Waste' Remark on Engineering Graduates

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy has strongly criticised Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over his controversial description of engineering graduates as " criminal waste ", calling the remarks deeply insulting to students from the state.

Speaking to the media in New Delhi on Friday, Kishan Reddy said the Chief Minister's comments had demeaned thousands of engineering graduates who have built successful careers in the IT industry both in India and abroad. He noted that Telangana's engineers have earned global recognition through their talent and hard work, bringing pride to both the state and the country.

The Union Minister said it was inappropriate for a person holding the office of Chief Minister to use such language while referring to young graduates. According to him, remarks that undermine the confidence of students and job seekers are neither responsible nor constructive. Instead, he stressed that governments should focus on encouraging youth and improving employment opportunities.

The controversy began during a programme held in Hyderabad on Thursday, where Chief Minister Revanth Reddy questioned the employability of many engineering graduates. He said a large number of degree holders lacked basic skills and were unable to even write a proper job application. Referring to them as " criminal waste ", he further remarked that many engineering graduates neither acquire industry-relevant skills nor are willing to take up smaller jobs because they believe an engineering degree entitles them to better opportunities.

The comments quickly sparked a political storm, with both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) condemning the Chief Minister's remarks and accusing him of insulting Telangana's student community.

Amid the controversy, Revanth Reddy also announced a new initiative aimed at improving the quality of school education in Telangana. He said government teachers would be sent on annual overseas study tours, similar to the exposure programmes organised for IAS and IPS officers.

Interacting with a group of teachers who recently returned from educational visits to Finland and Germany, the Chief Minister said the state government would bear the entire cost of these study tours. He maintained that the initiative was not driven by electoral considerations but was intended to enhance teaching standards and provide quality education for students from economically weaker sections.