HYDERABAD: The Telangana government has increased budgetary allocation for the Education department this year. It has earmarked Rs 12,705 crore, a hike of nearly Rs 2,000 crore from the previous budget. All universities in the state also got increased allocations this time.
The government, which allotted Rs 200 crore for OU for its centenary fete, also granted Rs 200 crore for other universities like Kakatiya, Telangana, Mahatma Gandhi, Palamur, Satavahana, Telugu and BR Ambedkar Open University. This is in addition to Rs 420 crore grant for salaries to all universities including Osmania. The government also gave priority to establish nearly 300 new residential schools for BCs, minorities and SC/STs, but the allocations were made from the Welfare head.
Meanwhile, college managements were not happy with the allocations for fee reimbursement. The government gave Rs 1,930 cr. They expected more. Fee reimbursement areas were in the range of Rs 3,300 crore, according to Mr. T. Vijay Bhaskar Reddy of Private Degree Colleges Association. “Some of the colleges are in deep trouble and not in position to pay even salaries to staff. Government could have allocated a higher amount," he said.
OU given 50% funds for centenary fest:
Osmania University sought nearly Rs 400 crore for its centenary celebrations but got half that amount in the Budget presented in the Legislature on Monday. Finance minister Etala Rajender allocated Rs 200 crore for a centenary building and year-long celebrations that will kick-start on April 26. While the university administration is relieved that its long wait for a state grant has ended, alumni and student unions expressed their unhappiness over the allocation.
Vice-Chancellor S. Ramachandram thanked Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao for the allocation and said it would give impetus to the celebrations. OU alumnus and BJP TS president Dr K. Laxman felt the Rs 200 crore was not enough, which is not in a position to pay even salaries. OU student leader Manavathi Roy said the allocation would not last for the full year.
