Hyderabad, June 11 -- Government junior colleges in Telangana have been facing serious challenges from private and corporate institutions, which have found new ways to attract parents and students. While the political establishment, irrespective of the party in power, has failed to control this onslaught, intermediate public education now stands at a crossroads, requiring urgent policy intervention.

During a public hearing held by the Telangana Education Commission in Hyderabad on Wednesday, 11 June, civil society organisations, teachers' unions, student organisations, and parents presented the various issues affecting government junior colleges and offered their suggestions for reform.

Among the most pressing concerns is the lack of de...