‘Will introduce vocational skills from Intermediate’

May 25, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 05:38 am IST

HYDERABAD: TELANGANA: 23/05/2015: Telangana State Council of Higher Education, Tummala Papi Reddy. Photo: G.Ramakrishna

HYDERABAD: TELANGANA: 23/05/2015: Telangana State Council of Higher Education, Tummala Papi Reddy. Photo: G.Ramakrishna

A big challenge awaits higher education in Telangana if it is to realise the aspirations of the youth and shape a quality workforce for the next few decades. And that will require some brave decisions and innovative thinking, Chairman of the Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TSCHE) Tummala Papi Reddy tells R. RAVIKANTH REDDY

The Telangana agitation had its base in the denial of rightful opportunities to students here. With statehood achieved, their aspirations are soaring.

Higher education across the country is in a crisis and looks directionless. Focus on vocational skills is declining while students gain degrees from universities with little idea of what they want to do. And then they don’t find the right jobs. We will propose introduction of vocational skills at the Intermediate and undergraduate level so that they can find jobs in their respective sector even as they pursue higher education. Our idea is to ensure that every student should gain additional skills to gain employment at any level, rather than aspiring for only high-paying jobs. Teaching jobs or government jobs cannot accommodate all students.

What steps are being taken to put things back on track at the Telangana’s universities, which were negatively portrayed during the statehood stir?

To a certain extent it may be true and there is indeed a need to rework our strategy on universities. The Chief Minister is serious in negating that image. Appointing Vice Chancellors alone will not solve all the problems though the CM is serious in finding the right candidates. Some VCs damaged the reputation of the varsities with their misdeeds. Now that Telangana has been formed, students must focus on education and teachers should respond positively. Steps would be taken to help students get trained in various aspects of employable skills and not just give them a MA or MSc degree. But we need some time for this.

Will there be special focus on degree colleges, and science and commerce courses?

There was a spurt in degree colleges due to the fee reimbursement scheme. The previous government sanctioned several new colleges without creating infrastructure or faculty. We will focus on that. The syllabus of commerce and sciences is being retuned to incorporate emerging skills covering employment and research aspects. Attendance is a key issue and biometric system would be introduced to infuse seriousness in learning. Only a better graduate will be a better postgraduate and it will reflect in the universities in the long run.

There is a perception that all Andhra-related history, individuals, poets and historians will find no place in Telangana textbooks. Will it help students in the long run?

The changes brought about in history books will give importance to Telangana’s historians, poets, writers, culture and language. It doesn’t mean students will not study AP-related history. The changes were not brought about in a hurry; the syllabus was due for revision and we added appropriate information that was neglected earlier or not highlighted properly.

Now that Telangana has been formed, students must focus on education and teachers should respond positively. Steps would be taken to help students get trained in various aspects of employable skills and not just give them degrees

- Tummala Papi Reddy

TSCHE Chairman

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