Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Highlights Government’s Commitment to Higher Education in Rajya Sabha Speech”
New Delhi: On December 13, the Rajya Sabha approved the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which seeks to amend the Central Universities Act of 2009 for the establishment of the Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University in Mulugu, Telangana. The Lok Sabha had previously passed the bill on December 7, 2023, According to the PIB.
Addressing the assembly, Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan expressed gratitude to all Members of Parliament who supported the bill, emphasizing that the fulfillment of this commitment was another achievement under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pradhan highlighted that the passage of the bill reflects a collective commitment to enhancing access and quality in higher education across the country.
Speaking on the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in #RajyaSabha. https://t.co/091SkiYbeX
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) December 13, 2023
According to the education minister, the newly established university is designed to address regional aspirations, improve educational quality, and promote research within tribal communities. This includes research in areas such as tribal art, culture, customs, and traditional knowledge systems. The minister emphasized that the university will play a crucial role in advancing the progress of tribal communities nationwide.
Pradhan also noted the significance of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2019, which ensures the reservation rights of SC/ST/OBC/EWS individuals as envisaged by the Constitution. Additionally, he highlighted initiatives like Balvatika, aimed at instilling teaching-learning methods among 3-5-year-old children, and the introduction of skill-based education and training in schools.
Highlighting the international recognition of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Pradhan mentioned the Persian translation of NEP 2020 in Iran for implementation and the cooperation sought by Mauritius to develop an institution similar to NCERT in their country.
The Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University, to be established at a cost of Rs. 889.07 crore, will offer graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral-level courses across five schools with 11 departments. The initial seven years are projected to accommodate 2790 undergraduate and postgraduate students, generating direct employment opportunities in faculty and non-faculty positions. Additionally, the university is expected to create indirect employment opportunities through outsourcing and contractual arrangements, contributing to the development of surrounding areas.
The University is named “Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University” in honor of the mother and daughter, Sammakka and Saralamma (commonly known as Sarakka), believed to be manifestations of Adi Parashakti sent to protect the tribal communities of Telangana.
