Hans News Service Hyderabad

TheStudents Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), Telangana, expressed serious concern over the proposed restructuring of Polytechnics under the SHAKTI framework and their integration with the Young India Skills University (YISU).

According to SIO, technical education reforms must expand opportunities for students, not weaken their access to higher technical education. The concerns surrounding B Tech lateral entry and the future academic progression of Polytechnic students need clear assurance and protection.

There is also a serious concern that the restructuring may affect the availability of affordable government technical education. Any increase in fees or commercial use of public educational infrastructure could make technical education less accessible to students from economically weaker backgrounds.

State President Mohd Faraz Ahmed said that the proposed restructuring also raises serious concerns as the government is attempting to shift government Polytechnics towards a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which could lead to the gradual privatisation of technical education.

“Technical education should not become increasingly privatised or commercialised, with public institutions and infrastructure being treated primarily as avenues for commercial activity.”

He said that at a time when the State government cites a lack of funds for RTF and MTF scholarships, it is concerned that public education is being pushed towards PPP models. Providing affordable education is the government’s responsibility, not something to be shifted to private players.

SIO Telangana urges the government to consult students, faculty and management before implementing major changes. The future of existing students, courses and facilities must be protected.

A delegation of SIO Telangana visited various polytechnic colleges and interacted with students, listening to their concerns and expressing solidarity with them.