New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha approved the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023 on December 13, 2023, clearing the path for the establishment of Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University in Mulugu, Telangana, as per the amendments to the Central Universities Act, 2009. The Lok Sabha had previously passed the bill on December 7, 2023.
In response to the discussions on the bill, Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, expressed gratitude to all the Members of Parliament who supported the bill, emphasizing that the fulfillment of this promise to the people of Telangana reflects the commitment to enhance access and quality in higher education across the nation.
Shri Pradhan highlighted the university’s role in meeting regional aspirations, improving education quality, and fostering research in tribal communities, particularly in areas such as tribal art, culture, customs, and traditional knowledge systems. He underscored the university’s significance as a catalyst for progress among tribal communities nationwide.
Addressing the house, Shri Pradhan also discussed the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2019, ensuring reservation rights for SC/ST/OBC/EWS as envisioned in the Constitution. He provided insights into the Balvatika initiative, targeting children aged 3-5 years, incorporating innovative teaching-learning methods. Additionally, he highlighted the international recognition of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with Iran translating it into Persian and Mauritius seeking cooperation for a similar institution like NCERT.
The Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University, with a proposed cost of Rs. 889.07 crore, will offer graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral level courses through five schools with 11 departments. It is estimated to enroll 2790 UG and PG students in the initial seven years, generating employment opportunities both directly and indirectly. The university, named after the revered mother-daughter duo Sammakka and Saralamma, aims to protect and uplift tribal communities in Telangana.