On the lines of Pharma City and Health City, the State government is planning to build education cities at Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati.
Talking to The Hindu here on Sunday, Minister for Human Resource Development Ganta Srinivasa Rao said as far as Vizag is concerned, the government has already identified about 400 acres for the purpose although 1,000 acres is needed.
The government will build basic infrastructure such as roads, drainage, water supply and electrical and communications connectivity and then invite people to set-up educational institutions in the earmarked area.
“It will be an education hub in one place. It is being planned on the lines of SEZs,” he added.
This apart, he said that the government is also planning to start separate universities such as Health University, Logistics University and Energy University in the State.
The draft bill for private universities is almost ready. “A draft bill has been submitted and we have recommended a few changes. Once ready, it will be placed in the public domain for suggestions,” he said.
On whether the private university bill would hamper the interests of state-run universities, he said, “We are also making a few changes in the University Act. The changes will make state-run universities more competitive. Moreover, we have asked the Vice-Chancellors to design innovative courses so that they become self-sufficient. To begin with, we have asked them to plan innovative dual-degree programmes,” he said.
Referring to education reforms, the Minister said that the Government was serious about reforms and changes.
He said a system of grading of colleges will be implemented after a nod from the expert committee that was constituted to look into the matter.
“For the first time the Chief Minister of a state convened a meeting with DEOs in all the districts. This shows our seriousness, and our completion all examinations including EAMCET is a testimony to it,” he said.
