Introductory Meeting of Telangana Vice-Chancellors Held to Improve Higher Education
An important meeting between the Vice-Chancellors (VCs) of state universities and the Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) Chairman, Prof. V. Balakista Reddy, along with Principal Secretary for Education, N. Sridhar, was held on Friday in Hyderabad. The focus of the meeting was to discuss ways to improve the standards of higher education in Telangana and address the challenges faced by universities.
During the meeting, Principal Secretary N. Sridhar presented the vision and mission of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for advancing higher education in the state. He urged the Vice-Chancellors to identify the key challenges faced by their universities and submit a detailed report on these issues to the Chief Minister. This step aims to create a roadmap for resolving the problems in the sector.
To address critical issues, it was suggested that committees be formed under the leadership of TGCHE. These committees will focus on streamlining recruitment processes, addressing superannuation policies, and implementing the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions. In addition, another committee will prepare guidelines for university faculty recruitment in line with UGC regulations and Government Order (G.O.) Ms.No.15.
The committee on faculty recruitment will be chaired by Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU). Other members include Prof. Kumar Molugaram of Osmania University, Prof. Khaja Altaf Hussain of Mahatma Gandhi University, and two additional experts to be chosen based on their expertise.
Budgetary challenges faced by universities were also a major topic of discussion. The Principal Secretary encouraged universities to explore alternative funding sources, such as utilizing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives from industries and tapping into Local Area Development (MPLAD) funds provided by Members of Parliament. These measures aim to reduce the financial strain on universities and enhance their resources.
Another highlight of the meeting was the announcement of partnerships and collaborations. TGCHE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with T-SAT to provide value-added education for students. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish partnerships with institutions like IIT Madras and companies such as TCS. These collaborations aim to promote cutting-edge research, skill development, and industry-driven programs to prepare students for emerging job markets.
The Vice-Chancellors also shared their concerns, including issues related to recruitment processes, infrastructure development, budgetary limitations, scholarships, and overdue mess charges. They emphasized how these challenges are affecting the functioning and growth of their universities.
In a significant move, the inaugural edition of the TGCHE Newsletter was unveiled during the meeting. The newsletter highlights the collective efforts of the State government, TGCHE, and academic institutions in improving the quality of education, fostering innovation, and empowering students across Telangana. The event was attended by TGCHE Chairman Prof. V. Balakista Reddy, Vice-Chairmen Prof. E. Purushotham and Prof. S.K. Mahmood, Secretary Prof. Sriram Venkatesh, and the Vice-Chancellors of state universities.
This meeting marks a step forward in addressing the challenges faced by higher education institutions in Telangana and aligning them with the state’s vision for academic excellence.
