₹2 lakh salary to sweepers, ₹7 lakh to engineers: Telangana revised wages raise eyebrows

The Telangana government has come under scrutiny following its recent wage revisions, which have set the salaries for sweepers at ₹2 lakh and engineers at ₹7 lakh per month. This significant increase has raised questions regarding fiscal responsibility, especially with the state now allocating ₹6,000 crore per month on salaries—four times the expenditure at the time of its formation in 2014. Critics argue that such disparities in pay could lead to discontent among different sectors, while supporters assert that the hikes are necessary to attract and retain talent in a competitive job market. Telangana's decision reflects broader trends in India where state governments are increasingly focusing on enhancing employee compensation, but it also highlights the challenges of managing public resources effectively amidst rising wage bills. As the state grapples with balancing its budget and maintaining service delivery, the situation poses critical questions about sustainable governance and economic stability in the region.