Though academicians attribute no immediate problems in the higher education sector post-bifurcation, educational institutions listed under the Tenth Schedule of AP State Reorganisation Act are faced with confusion over decision-making process, as clarity eludes the appointment of their executive council members.
According to the varsity act, for every institution listed under the tenth schedule, the State’s Principal Secretary for Higher Education, Commissioner of Collegiate Education, Finance Secretary and one heading the concerned department form members of the Executive Council (EC). With each of the two States having its own team of bureaucrats, the institutions are riddled with confusion if both would secure berths on the EC of these institutions.
Speaking to The Hindu , S. Ratna Kumari, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam (SPMVV), institution listed under tenth schedule, said the Act had no provision to accommodate two members of the EC. “Decisions with respect to resource sharing, ratio of funding, budget allocation, admissions and other issues are taken in consultation with EC members. Since, no policies have been established till now, several works have been kept on hold,” she said.
Prof. Kumari said SPMVV being a State varsity, it would serve the students of both the States for the next 10 years as per the State Reorganisation Act. But, will the services of SPMVV be extended as a branch in Telangana or will the Telangana government establish another women’s university is a million dollar question.
Bifurcation blues
Besides this, there are several apprehensions about the treatment of students from Seemandhra region, who move to the other state for educational pursuits. The rift appears widened after ‘provocative’ statements continued to emanate even from the corridors of power. This, many fear, would manifest into animosity against people of Seemandhra, and eventually disturb their plans for pursuing education in Hyderabad.
Contrasting the exposure levels, Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) Vice-Chancellor W. Rajendra maintained that opportunities for training, research and other academic activities would vary between Hyderabad and the residuary state. “With Hyderabad-centric development, most institutions have gone to Telangana which impedes the opportunities for students this side. Institutions like NIN, CCMB, IICT etc. are located in Hyderabad, while we have nothing to boast about. Deficient industry sectors would result in decline in research opportunities and expertise,” he added.
