Telangana Govt. Forms Panel on Polytechnic Row

Hyderabad: The state government on Monday constituted a six-member committee to examine concerns over the proposed changes to the polytechnic education system and make recommendations on protecting students’ academic and career interests.

The committee, constituted through GO Rt. No. 1239, will examine concerns raised by students, faculty, employees and other stakeholders over the existing diploma framework, academic progression, ECET and lateral-entry opportunities, fee structure, employees’ service conditions, institutional identity and the role of existing technical-education bodies.

The move follows the concerns that emerged after the government’s June 16 order, GO Ms No. 97, which sought greater convergence between the polytechnic system and the state’s skill-development ecosystem. The government said its objective was to modernise polytechnic education, strengthen infrastructure, increase industry participation and improve internship, apprenticeship, employment and higher-education opportunities.

The committee will be headed by government advier K. Keshava Rao and will comprise Prof. M Kodandaram, MLC; education activist Prof Shantha Sinha; Navin Mittal, special chief secretary, energy, SHAKTI department; and the commissioner of technical education, who will be the member-convener. The committee has been asked to hold extensive consultations with all concerned stakeholders and submit specific recommendations to the government within 30 days. The government will take further action after receiving its report.

The order comes amid continuing student and staff protests over GO Ms No. 97, with concerns particularly centred on the future of the three-year diploma system and ECET-based lateral entry. The government has maintained that the restructuring is intended to strengthen polytechnic education and improve opportunities for students.