OU Annual Day: Bhatti says Congress plans to transform varsities into skill-based knowledge centres

Hyderabad: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka outlined the government’s plans to elevate public universities into skill-based knowledge centres.

He announced the establishment of a Skill University and highlighted efforts to equip young people with employment-ready skills through advanced training institutions.

Speaking at the annual day celebrations of Osmania University, the deputy chief minister emphasised the crucial role of freedom of expression in a democratic society.

“Osmania University has held an esteemed place since its inception, embodying the very essence of Telangana’s culture,” stated Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.

Recalling the ‘People’s March,’ where he personally witnessed and understood the struggles of the populace, he reiterated the government’s resolve to bring about change, a goal they have now achieved as a ‘people’s government.”

Transforming education for a brighter future

The deputy chief minister outlined the government’s ambitious plans to elevate public universities into skill-based knowledge centres.

Speaking at the annual celebrations of Osmania Arts College on Saturday, Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu said that the State Government is committed to revamping the education system.

He said that in the past 10 years, universities had no Vice Chancellors appointed and no recruitment of professors, leading to a state of stagnation. After coming to power, the government appointed Vice Chancellors with social consciousness and restarted faculty recruitment.

“Hence, as soon as the Congress government took charge, freedom of expression was restored, and government doors were opened to all viewpoints,” he said.

He said that findings from their comprehensive socio-economic, political, educational, and caste survey showed that education is more crucial for development than even land or material production.

Skill University and 100 Industrial Training Institutes

The Deputy CM said that the government recognised that a future without skills is bleak, which is why they are constructing Telangana’s first Skill University in Future City. Additionally, 100 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have been transformed into Advanced Technology Centres. The government has also allocated Rs 500 crore for a building for the Koti Women’s College, renaming it after Veeranari Chakali Ailamma.

To enhance global competitiveness, the government is providing opportunities for all students to study in English. The people’s government has opened its doors to all ideologies and ensured freedom. Control and pressure are not our government's policy, he said.

“We are shaping our education system to compete globally,” Vikramarka asserted, urging students from disadvantaged backgrounds not to neglect their education but to study diligently and contribute to the development of Telangana and the nation.

He declared that the government is clearing all outstanding dues of public universities and is committed to taking necessary action for the construction of an auditorium.

Young India Residential Schools

Within a few days of taking office, the government increased diet charges by 40 per cent and cosmetic charges by 200 per cent in residential schools, and designed a new menu with top doctors, the deputy CM said.

“Believing that education is the key to development, the government is constructing Young India Residential Schools in every constituency on 25 acres with Rs 200 crore budget each, to meet international standards. These schools, he said, would change the destiny of the state and become a model for the nation.”

OU officials reiterate commitment to academic excellence

The event, presided over by Osmania University vice-chancellor Professor Kumar Molugaram, highlighted the vibrant academic and cultural life of the Arts College.

Professor Molugaram lauded the significant improvements observed in the college over the past eight months, commending principal professor C Qasim and the staff for their dedication.

Qasim presented the annual report, acknowledging the exceptional talent of the college’s students, many of whom excel in government job notifications. He extended gratitude to everyone who contributed to the college’s smooth functioning.

The deputy CM said that the vice chancellor and principal requested an open auditorium at the university, and he promised to bring it to the attention of the chief minister and take necessary steps for its construction.