The Chief Minister expressed concern that the Centre was trying to take over the powers to run universities from the purview of States and saw a conspiracy in the move. “The Centre’s plan to take over universities’ administration can result in making them platforms for false propaganda by few individuals,” he said.
The comments come in the light of protests expressed by non-BJP State Governments on the draft regulation by the UGC on the selection and appointment of vice-chancellors to universities. The States are contending that the regulation was in violation of federal principles of the Constitution and demand its withdrawal.
Unveiling the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on the BR Ambedkar Open University campus, Mr. Revanth Reddy said the proposed changes in the UGC regulations were not appropriate and they were tantamount to a cultural attack on the States leading to unnecessary controversies. “The Centre’s moves to usurp the States’ powers will be seen as an attack on them. We are not prepared to lose our rights,” he said demanding that the Centre withdraw its moves failing which the State would take to protests if necessary.
The Chief Minister lamented that the States would be converted to tax collections organisations if their powers were taken over by the Centre gradually. “Unfortunately, the country is witnessing debate on the protection of the Constitution,” he said opposing the proposal to privatise universities.
Mr. Revanth Reddy criticised the Centre for meting out injustice to Telangana in conferring Padma awards by not recognising services of the likes of Gaddar, Chukka Ramaiah, Andesri, Goreti Venkanna and Jayadheer Tirumala Rao. Expressing dissatisfaction over the denial of Padma awards to those recommended by the State, he said he would soon address a letter to the Prime Minister in this regard.
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