Potti Sriramulu Telugu University in Andhra Pradesh on verge of closure
It is in desperate need of financial support from state government
VIJAYAWADA:Potti Sriramulu Telugu University is on the verge of closure. It is in desperate need of support from the state government for its survival.
In the aftermath of AP’s bifurcation, the main campus of the university located in Hyderabad of Telangana remained with the Telangana government, which changed this university’s name to Suravarapu Pratapa Reddy Telugu University.
The campus of Potti Sriramulu Telugu University continues in Andhra Pradesh, mainly in Rajahmundry over about 25 acres. The university has campuses in Srisailam and Kuchipudi too. But the university is struggling to sustain itself and survive at all these places.
The Rajahmundry campus used to offer mainly MA and PhD in Telugu, while at the one in Srisailam, students could do their MA and PhD in History and Archaeology. For want of support, the first year PG in Rajahmundry campus became a zero year for the academic year 2024–25. The second year students are going to complete their final exams shortly. If no new admissions are made, the zero year will continue for the second academic year 2025–26.
University authorities and students say there is a huge demand for admission in the university provided it offers courses in dance, music, astrology, fine arts and so on, on the lines of the Suravarapu Pratapa Reddy Telugu University in Hyderabad.
University authorities have come up with a detailed project report on the revival of Potti Sriramulu Telugu University with a financial support of ₹50 crore for developing infrastructure for the new courses. Though the university has a budget of ₹5.80 crore, a majority of the amount is going towards payment of wages to staff.
Several students, who have completed their PG and PhD courses, are working in government schools and universities and in other fields. They deplore the pathetic condition of the university at present. They are seeking the intervention of the state government to restore its past glory and utility for students.
Potti Sriramulu Telugu University officer on special duty Professor V. Nireekshana Babu said, “We are expecting a positive development from the state government. The matter is likely to be taken up in the meeting of the state cabinet. There are chances of revival with financial support.”
