BRS seeks immediate repeal of GO 97 in support of polytechnic students’ stir

The BRS has demanded withdrawal of GO 97, which brings polytechnic colleges under the Young India Skill University, amid an ongoing student agitation. Former MP B Vinod Kumar said the order had created apprehension and demanded retention of the existing system.

Hyderabad: With the polytechnic students continuing their agitation against GO 97 for more than a week, the BRS demanded that the Congress government immediately withdraw the orderwhich was issued bringing polytechnic colleges under the Young India Skill University. The party has already extended its support, and its BRSV student wing staged protests in solidarity with the students across the State.

Speaking to the media here on Monday, former MP B Vinod Kumar said the party found students’ concerns were justified after examining the issue in detail. He observed that the Skill University Act and GO 97 appeared contradictory and the move created apprehension among students, particularly those from poor and middle-class families.

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The senior BRS leader pointed out that the Skill University was envisaged on a PPP model, and had no AICTE recognition at present. “The BRS is not opposed to the Skill University, but the existing polytechnic system should continue independently under the State Board of Technical Education,” he said.

He demanded that the government review GO 97 and retain the polytechnic system under the 1982 education framework. He also sought special colleges to facilitate engineering admissions for polytechnic students through ECET.

BRSV president Gellu Srinivas Yadav announced that students would write letters to the Chief Minister on August 26 seeking repeal of GO 97, followed by submission of representations to the District Collectors on August 31.

Students said the government should stop experimenting with their education and continue the existing system, citing the withdrawal of a similar measure in Andhra Pradesh.