In a significant move to revitalize higher education in Telangana, Chief Minister Sri A. Revanth Reddy held a crucial meeting with the newly appointed Vice Chancellors from state universities on November 1.
Accompanied by Professor Balakrishna Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana State Higher Education Council, the Chief Minister addressed the urgent need to restore trust and credibility within the state's educational institutions, which have faced reputational challenges in recent years.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Reddy called upon the Vice Chancellors to conduct comprehensive assessments of their respective universities, encouraging them to identify areas for improvement. He suggested that universities might seek expert consultancy to aid in evaluating their operations and recommending necessary changes. “The reputation of our universities has diminished, and it’s time to rebuild and enhance their reliability,” Reddy stated, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly evaluating current conditions.
Reaffirming the integrity of the Vice Chancellors' appointments, Reddy highlighted that selections were made based on merit and social equity, devoid of external influence. He urged the new leaders to embrace their roles with diligence, assuring them of government support for those who excel while cautioning that strict actions would be taken against failing to maintain academic standards. “Let’s bring back the respect that students once held for Vice Chancellors,” he urged.
Additionally, the Chief Minister addressed the pressing issue of drug use and trafficking on campuses, imploring Vice Chancellors to monitor campus activities vigilantly. He urged them to provide necessary counselling for students vulnerable to substance abuse, reflecting the government’s commitment to creating a safe and conducive learning environment.
This meeting marks a crucial step towards implementing reforms in Telangana’s higher education landscape, with the government viewing the appointments of the new Vice Chancellors as a pivotal opportunity for progress and enhancement in academic standards across the state.