TPJAC wants polytechnics within govt. technical education framework

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The Telangana Polytechnic Joint Action Committee (TPJAC) has urged the State government to comprehensively review GO Ms. No. 97, particularly the proposal to bring existing Government Polytechnic Colleges under the proposed Skill/Engineering University framework.

As an alternative, the TPJAC proposed retaining Government Polytechnic Colleges within the Government Technical Education framework. Clarifying its position, the TPJAC said it was not opposed to the government, skill development, modernisation, industry collaboration. Its concern was specifically about the possible impact of bringing the existing Government Polytechnic system under a new university structure on students’ academic recognition, affordability, higher education opportunities, employment prospects and institutional continuity.

“Polytechnic education is not merely a college-level programme. It is an important source of skilled technical manpower for the State and the country,” the TPJAC said. The TPJAC urged the government to establish clarity on qualification recognition and statutory status, regulatory approvals, accreditation of technical programmes, higher education opportunities for diploma holders, employment and career progression, protection of existing students, fee structure, hostel and welfare support, the impact on girls’ participation and the protection and utilisation of existing government infrastructure before undertaking any major structural change.

The TPJAC sought a clear fee-protection mechanism if the colleges were brought under a new university structure so that students were not pushed out of technical education because of higher fees. It also called for strengthening hostel and welfare support. The TPJAC said it was not opposed to industry participation in internships, apprenticeships, skill development and placements. Modernisation could be undertaken within the existing Government Technical Education framework by upgrading Polytechnic Colleges with advanced laboratories. It pointed out that the Government Polytechnic system had already undergone academic and digital transformation through curriculum reforms, technology-enabled examinations, digital evaluation, online academic processes, industry interaction and student-focused initiatives.

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