In a parliamentary session on Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha successfully passed the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023, paving the way for the establishment of a central tribal university in Telangana. The bill, aimed at providing higher education and research facilities primarily for the tribal population, received unanimous approval through a voice vote.
The legislative process encountered a brief disruption when the Opposition walked out of the House during a debate on the Lok Sabha’s security breach issue. Despite this, the bill progressed smoothly, having been introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 4 and subsequently passed on December 7.
Addressing the significance of the new institution, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that the establishment of the ‘Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University’ in Telangana is a mandatory provision under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. The university is anticipated to fulfill regional aspirations, promoting higher education and research in tribal communities, with a focus on subjects like tribal art, culture, customs, and traditional knowledge systems.
Minister Pradhan attributed the delay in setting up the university to the Telangana government, citing challenges in identifying a suitable location. He disclosed that the central university project is estimated to cost approximately ₹900 crore, emphasizing its potential to be a catalyst for progress among tribal communities nationwide.
The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aligns with the vision of fostering educational and research advancements within tribal populations, reflecting a commitment to the preservation and promotion of tribal heritage and knowledge systems.
