Expectations of massive recruitment in Telangana and the hopes given by the government over the last one year is turning out to be a boon for house owners, with the city seeing an influx of youngsters from the districts which in turn has led to demand for houses on rent.
Ashok Nagar, Himayathnagar, RTC X Roads, Musheerabad, Chikkadpally, Domalguda and Vidyanagar have turned a hot spot for hopefuls and the rent has shot up in the last one year though it is stagnant in other parts of the city. Most popular coaching centres are in the vicinity of these areas and houses are preferred here for peer inspiration that candidates look for while preparing for competitive examinations.
House rent has soared to Rs. 8,000 to 9,000 from Rs. 5,000 for a single-bedroom while it has increased by nearly 100 per cent for individual houses where students share accommodation. This is in addition to Rs. 5,000 each a candidate has to spend on food and other basic necessities. “It’s difficult to manage, but there is nothing we can do. Staying far away from coaching centres will not serve our purpose,” said Mahesh Kumar, a native of Nalgonda district. He is sharing a room with his friends from his village.
The Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) has already issued four notifications and conducted tests, though the number may not be huge. Applications, however, have been invited for another three notifications. It is understood that nearly 40,000 candidates have been taking coaching from different centres in the city, while similar number of candidates have already completed their coaching last year expecting the notification then. Since the syllabus has changed, they are forced to prepare afresh.
Those who have friends or relatives on the Osmania University campus have moved to their rooms leading to the campus brimming with these aspirants. “We save at least Rs. 3,000 per month on rental and other related expenses,” agrees Saidulu from Jogipet, who is staying with his friends in a OU hostel.
The rising rentals apart, candidates are forced to spend quite a bit for coaching and books. The TSPSC expects nearly four lakh candidates to appear for Group-II examination. Coaching centres are making a killing charging anywhere between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 20,000, depending on their popularity and the faculty that they boost of. Some old institutes have acquired function halls and auditoriums in top colleges to offer coaching on a massive scale. “The numbers have increased enormously and we are forced to create space,” agreed correspondent of a coaching centre in Ashok Nagar, seeking anonymity.
Candidates are now forced to buy new books with two new papers introduced in the Group-II examination. The second paper of Group-II (Telangana history and culture) and fourth paper (Telangana agitation and State’s birth) are relatively new areas and several books have flooded the market forcing the aspirants to buy them all. Around 50 groups have published these books now, while coaching institutes are also publishing their own books, given the present demand. A candidate is spending not less than Rs. 5,000 for these books.
It’s difficult to manage, but there is nothing we can do. Staying far away from coaching centres will not serve our purpose - Mahesh Kumar, Native of Nalgonda district
