Harish Rao said Congress government’s handling of the merger issue threatens the future of nearly one lakh polytechnic students.
- Harish Rao demanded withdrawal of GO 97 by September 7.
- He threatened a Secretariat protest if the order is not withdrawn.
- He said nearly one lakh polytechnic students could be affected.
- Telangana has 113 polytechnic colleges, including 59 government institutions.
- He opposed bringing government polytechnics under the proposed Skill University framework.
- He raised concerns over possible private control of government colleges.
- Harish Rao questioned the future use of valuable college lands and assets.
- He sought clarity on fees, reimbursement and lateral-entry opportunities.
- He demanded that polytechnic education remain under direct government control.
- He criticised the use of committees to address the students’ protests.
- He also condemned the alleged police action against protesting students. Harish Rao Sets September 7 Deadline to Withdraw GO 97 Over Polytechnic Colleges
Hyderabad: Former minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Deputy Floor Leader T Harish Rao has thrown his support behind protesting polytechnic students and set September 7 as a deadline for the Telangana government to withdraw GO 97.
Harish Rao warned that if the government does not withdraw the order before the Assembly session begins on September 7, he will hold a protest at the Secretariat.
He said the Congress government’s approach to the issue was creating uncertainty for nearly one lakh polytechnic students across Telangana. According to him, the decision could affect not only students currently enrolled in polytechnic colleges but also the future of technical education in the state.
Harish Rao particularly objected to the proposed restructuring of the Young India Skills University as a public-private partnership. He alleged that bringing government polytechnic colleges under the Skill University framework could eventually result in private control over institutions that have traditionally remained under government administration.
“There are 113 polytechnic colleges in Telangana, of which 59 are government colleges,” he said.
Government Accused of Targeting Polytechnic LandsHarish Rao also raised questions about the government’s intentions regarding the valuable lands and infrastructure belonging to government polytechnic colleges.
He alleged that the government appeared more interested in the properties of these institutions than in protecting students’ educational interests.
“Revanth Reddy’s focus appears to be on the lands and properties of these institutions,” Harish Rao said. He claimed that government buildings and land worth thousands of crores were being brought under a framework whose future use had not been adequately explained.
He questioned whether these assets could eventually be used for mortgaging or raising loans and demanded clarity from the government.
Harish Rao also questioned why polytechnic properties were being considered when other government-owned assets were available.
He specifically referred to properties belonging to the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) and Housing Board, asking why the lands of educational institutions were also being brought into the discussion.
Students Raise Concerns Over Fees and OpportunitiesA major concern raised by Harish Rao was the potential impact on students’ education costs and career opportunities.
He pointed out that students currently complete their polytechnic education at a comparatively affordable fee of around Rs 15,000. After completing their diploma, many students can pursue engineering through lateral entry.
Harish Rao questioned whether those opportunities would continue if the colleges were brought under the proposed Skill University framework.
Will fee reimbursement continue?” he asked.
He also questioned what would happen after any limited period of government support ends and whether students would continue receiving financial assistance.
For students and their families, these questions are not merely administrative. Changes in fees, reimbursement and recognition could directly influence whether students can afford to continue their education.
Harish Rao demanded that polytechnic education remain under direct government control. He also called for clear assurances on fees, fee reimbursement, academic recognition and lateral-entry opportunities before any restructuring is implemented.
Harish Rao further criticised the government’s response to the ongoing student movement. He urged officials not to prolong the issue by forming committees and instead take a clear decision on GO 97.
He asked the government to “stop the drama in the name of committees” and withdraw the order rather than appointing committees that, according to him, could dilute the students’ movement.
He also condemned the alleged police action against protesting students and said students raising concerns about their education and future should not be treated harshly.
With September 7 approaching, the dispute is likely to remain a significant issue during the Assembly session. The government now faces pressure to explain the proposed changes and address concerns surrounding student fees, government control, land assets and academic opportunities.