Withdraw GO 97, release White Paper on Skill University: BRS

BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan demanded withdrawal of GO Ms. No. 97, alleging it undermines the polytechnic education system by paving the way for privatisation and merger with Young India Skill University.

Hyderabad: BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan demanded immediate withdrawal of GO Ms No. 97, alleging that it undermined the government polytechnic system and paved the way for its privatisation and merger with the Young India Skill University (YISU).

He sought a White Paper on the university, detailing its structure, finances, assets and proposed PPP arrangements.

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Questioning the move, Sravan said the government was attempting to bring a decades-old technical education system, which had served poor and middle-class rural students, under the private/skill university umbrella without adequate consultation with stakeholders or discussion in the Assembly.

He questioned why the three-year engineering diploma recognised as technical/higher education under AICTE norms was being brought under the Labour and Skilling (SHAKTI) framework. He also raised concerns over ECET-based lateral entry into B.Tech courses, academic recognition, examinations and the academic calendar.

Sravan questioned the proposed PPP model, pointing out that the government would bear the cost of land, buildings, infrastructure and the initial three years of operations, while seven industry/PPP representatives would have representation on the Board of Governors.

He raised suspicions that provisions allowing transfer of polytechnic and ITI assets to YISU and their use for commercial activities could lead to the commercialisation of public education. He also expressed concern over higher fee-setting powers and the replacement of permanent posts with contractual appointments.