In a significant development, the Parliament passed the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023, on Wednesday, paving the way for the establishment of a central tribal university in Telangana. The bill, introduced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, received approval from the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote.
The idea behind the bill is to set up the “Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University” in Telangana. The delay in its establishment was attributed to the slow provision of land by the state government. Minister Pradhan expressed that if the cooperation from the Telangana government had been prompt, the university would already be up and running.
What’s In The Bill?
The bill aims to fulfill regional aspirations by improving access to quality higher education in Telangana. The proposed university will focus on promoting higher education and research facilities, with a special emphasis on tribal art, culture, customs, and technological advancements for the tribal population of India.
According to the The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the central tribal university will function similarly to other central universities, as outlined in the Central Universities Act, 2009. The Act has undergone periodic amendments to establish and incorporate universities for teaching and research in various states.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the establishment of the central tribal university in Mulugu district before the Telangana assembly elections. The university, named after tribal goddesses Sammakka and Sarakka, is allocated a budget of ₹900 crores for its development. The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to tribal education and the significant investment made for this initiative.
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With the passage of the bill, the government takes a step closer to realizing its promise of providing higher education and research opportunities to the tribal population in Telangana. The focus on tribal art, culture, and technology is expected to contribute to the overall development of the tribal communities in the region. As the legislative process concludes, the stage is set for the establishment of the Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University, bringing education and opportunities closer to the tribal heartland.
