Telangana forms panel to review polytechnic education reforms

The Telangana government has established a high-level, six-member committee to address concerns regarding the modernization of the state’s polytechnic education system. The move follows protests from students and faculty regarding a June order that placed Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs), and polytechnic colleges under the Young India Skills University (YISU) and the SHAKTI department.

Chaired by government advisor K. Keshava Rao, the committee includes Prof. M. Kodandaram, education activist Prof. Shantha Sinha, and Special Chief Secretary Navin Mittal. The panel is tasked with conducting extensive consultations to examine issues such as the existing diploma framework, academic progression, fee structures, employee service conditions, and lateral-entry opportunities through the ECET.

The government stated that the restructuring aims to create greater convergence between the polytechnic system and the state’s emerging skill development and industry ecosystem. The committee is expected to submit its specific recommendations within 30 days, after which the government will determine its next course of action.