Education is not Monopoly of Central Govt: Bhatti
Bhatti at Education conference in Thiruvananthapuram
Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka compared the University Grants Commission's new guidelines to a scenario where "you are required to pay the bill but cannot choose your meal."
During the National Convention on Higher Education held in Tiruvananthapuram on Thursday, he addressed the implications of the UGC draft guidelines, the autonomy of states, and the initiatives undertaken in the education sector in Telangana, concluding with a PowerPoint presentation.
He emphasised that while the Centre expects States to finance and manage universities, it is simultaneously excluding them from the processes of appointing Vice Chancellors and overseeing admissions. He warned that if this trend continues, states will merely be relegated to participating in ribbon-cutting ceremonies for newly inaugurated buildings.
Vikramarka expressed that the education sector falls under the concurrent list and is not solely under the control of the Central government. He stated that each state has the responsibility to establish educational institutions and systems tailored to their unique populations and social contexts, leading to distinct approaches across different states. He emphasised that no state can achieve high-quality education without granted autonomy.
He urged all states to articulate their perspectives on this crucial topic with conviction, rather than limiting themselves to mere discussions. Vikramarka clarified that cooperation should be based on consultation, not coercion, and suggested that if the Central government genuinely values federalism, it should engage with the states to comprehend their viewpoints.
The Deputy Chief Minister noted that states are not just asking for assistance but are firmly asserting their role within the education system. He believed that if states present their views collectively, their impact would resonate widely, as history has shown.
Reiterating that the Centre should hold consultations with States as education is in the concurrent list, Vikramarka demanded that all the States should unitedly give shape to the spirit of genuine federalism.
He further stated that the Telangana government is ready to organise the next conference at Hyderabad and thereby a possibility will be there to formulate an action plan on behalf of States.
The democratic trait of India is unique and nothing should hurt this spirit, he said.
States have the right to choose the right path and if right decision is not taken, the States will have to face serious consequences in future, the Deputy Chief Minister cautioned.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu, Karnataka Minister M C Sudhakar Aware, Tirugovi Chejiyan from Tamil Nadu, Sardar Haroj Singh from Punjab and other prominent educationists attended the convention.
