R. Krishnaiah urges Revanth to protect polytechnic education

Rajya Sabha Member and Backward Classes leader R. Krishnaiah on Sunday urged Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to withdraw GO No. 97 and abandon all plans to merge polytechnic colleges with Young India Skills University under the Shakti scheme.

In a letter to Mr. Reddy, he said that students across Telangana are protesting and blocking roads against the proposed changes, and the government’s lack of response was unfortunate. He warned that weakening the existing polytechnic system could adversely affect students’ higher education and career prospects.

A three-year technical diploma programme that offers students opportunities for industrial employment as well as higher studies through ECET and lateral entry into B. Tech, Mr. Krishnaiah stressed that polytechnic education should not be equated with ITI courses or short-term skill training.

He called for strengthening polytechnic colleges through better funding, industry-aligned curricula, apprenticeships, internships and practical training. The government should also clarify issues concerning SBTET recognition, diploma validity, examinations, faculty, ECET admissions and eligibility for government jobs, he demanded.