Senior BRS leader B. Vinod Kumar has asked Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to withdraw GO 97, the order that seeks to attach polytechnic colleges to the new Skill University. Students have been protesting for ten days, fearing privatization and the lack of AICTE recognition.

  • GO 97 orders the merger of polytechnic colleges under the Skill University.
  • BRS senior leader B. Vinod Kumar is demanding the order be withdrawn.
  • Students and experts worry about loss of AICTE oversight and privatization.

Background of GO 97

On August 16, 2026, the Telangana government issued Government Order 97, directing that all technical diploma (polytechnic) colleges be placed under the newly created Skill University. The move was presented as a step toward unified technical education and nationally recognised certificates.

Political Response

Senior BRS figure and former MP B. Vinod Kumar met with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday, urging a review of the decision. He highlighted that polytechnic students have been on strike for the past ten days, demanding the revocation of GO 97.

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Skill University Act Details

The act establishing the Skill University explicitly limits its role to issuing degrees and certificates, without any affiliation to the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Moreover, the university is to operate under a private‑public partnership (PPP) model, sparking concerns over the perceived privatization of traditionally public polytechnic institutions.

Historical Background

Polytechnic institutions date back to pre‑independence India and were significantly expanded under Jawaharlal Nehru’s government. They have long served as the backbone of the nation’s technical workforce, offering practical, industry‑oriented training.

BRS Demands

Kumar called for the establishment of separate engineering colleges that would admit polytechnic graduates directly through the Engineering Common Entrance Test (ECET). This proposal aims to preserve a clear pathway for technical students without subjecting them to the new PPP framework.

Political and Social Implications

The controversy adds strain to Telangana’s already volatile political climate. Ignoring BRS’s demands could trigger larger student movements, potentially disrupting the state’s education agenda and prompting other states to reconsider similar mergers.

Expert Opinions

Education policy analyst Dr. Meera Sharma warned, "Merging polytechnics without AICTE oversight risks diluting technical standards and compromising graduate employability."

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the merger could set a precedent for other Indian states to bypass AICTE oversight, potentially reshaping technical education nationwide.

Education policy analyst Dr. Meera Sharma says, "Merging polytechnics without AICTE oversight risks diluting technical standards."
Did You Know?: The first polytechnic in Telangana was established in 1946, predating India’s independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is GO 97?
A: GO 97 is a government order issued on August 16, 2026, mandating that all polytechnic colleges in Telangana be placed under the newly formed Skill University.

Q2: How will the merger affect current polytechnic students?
A: Students fear loss of AICTE recognition, increased tuition under the PPP model, and reduced autonomy in curriculum design.