Several public representatives and authorities of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University stepped up pressure on the government for sanctioning of government engineering college for the district since the infrastructure is readily available in 21st Gurukulam campus located very close to university premises. The Central government has already assured to sanction funds under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA).
RUSA would create new universities through upgrading of existing autonomous colleges and conversion of colleges in a cluster. It would create new model degree colleges, new professional colleges and provide infrastructural support to universities
The Central funding will be in the ratio of 65:35 for general category States. The Ministry of Human Resources will sanction up to 90 per cent funds if the State gets special category status as promised during the division of the State. Around Rs. 30 crore is needed for setting up the institution.
The Union government’s initiative under RUSA raised hopes as funds could be used for the creation of state of art infrastructure in the existing Gurukulam complex which is often used for skill development programme of youngsters. In fact, Andhra Pradesh State Higher Education Council (APSHEC) handed over the maintenance of Gurukuluam complex to the university but later handed over it to the district administration for Rajiv Yuvakiranalu programme in year 2013-14.
Now, the university wanted to use the Gurukulam complex of 8 blocks spreading in 50 acres for setting up the engineering college. “We have recently requested Principal Secretary of Higher Education for handing over the Gurukulam complex and setting up the engineering college under the control of Ambedkar University. We can start the college from 2015-16 academic year if government agrees to our proposal,” said a varsity official .
The university asks the government to hand over 21st Century Gurukulam premises
