The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was passed in the winter session of the Parliament bringing amendments to the Central Universities Act, 2009. The Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the Bill reflects a collective commitment to enhancing access and quality in higher education across the country. The amendment was proposed for the setting up of the Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University in Mulugu, Telangana.
The Union Minister stated that the establishment of a central tribal university in Telangana is obligatory under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014. He emphasized that this University will primarily focus on the development and promotion of tribal art, culture, customs, and indigenous knowledge systems. It will also address regional ambitions, improve educational quality, and stimulate research within tribal communities.
With a budget of Rs. 889.07 crores, the Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University would provide graduate, postgraduate, and doctorate-level courses through five schools in its eleven departments. The goal of the first seven years of operation is to serve 2790 undergraduate and graduate students, which will directly lead to job opportunities in both faculty and non-faculty roles. It is anticipated that the university will create indirect jobs through contracting and outsourcing, which will boost the local economy.
The Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also shared details on the Balvatika program, which includes initiatives like Jaadui Pitara and aims to enhance teaching and learning techniques for three to five-year-olds. He observed that skill-based training and education should be implemented in schools.
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