HYDERABAD: Polytechnic students are waiting for the revised GO 97 to know whether future batches will remain outside Young India Skills University (YISU), after a high‑level committee recommended continuing the existing technical education system but left future affiliation open. The Telangana Polytechnic Joint Action Committee (TP‑JAC) ended its 35‑day non‑cooperation programme after the panel’s consultations. Students had sought withdrawal of the order and written protection for their diploma courses, fees, ECET and route into engineering.
“We are waiting for the official government order. We stopped the agitation but not the campaign,” said M. Nithish, AIDSO Telangana State vice‑president, adding that complete withdrawal of GO 97 would be the ideal outcome. On possible YISU affiliation for future admissions, he said, “That cannot be accepted. Affiliation would still place polytechnics under the university even if the government no longer described the proposal as a merger.”
The dispute began after the state government issued GO Ms No. 97 proposing changes to polytechnic administration. Students opposed bringing polytechnics under YISU and the Skill, Human Capital and Knowledge Training Initiatives Department (SHAKTI).
The government formed a six‑member committee headed by adviser K. Keshava Rao on August 24, with 30 days to consult stakeholders and recommend action.
The latest proposal protects much of the existing system for students already enrolled. The committee told stakeholders that the State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET), which handles curriculum, examinations and certification, and the Commissionerate of Technical Education would continue in their present form. Section 1, Clause IV of GO 97 would be amended so students already admitted remain under the current system.
That provision for future affiliation has kept the dispute open. AIDSO submitted a memorandum to Prof. M. Kodandaram, MLC and committee member, on September 21. Nithish said Kodandaram assured the delegation he would take its concerns before the government.
AIDSO’s memorandum sought withdrawal of GO 97 and continuation of polytechnic education under the Education Department. It opposed transfer to SHAKTI and objected to provisions of the Young India Skills University, Telangana (PPP) Act, 2024 concerning fees, revenue generation, self‑sufficiency, commercial activities and industry participation in governance. The organisation said these could affect affordability and public funding if applied to polytechnics.
Parents also want clarity on future batches. Patil Shiva Mahadev, parent of a diploma student who later entered engineering through lateral entry, said the latest development addressed part of his concern.
“I am not fully satisfied. GO 97 should be cancelled,” Mahadev said. He feared the government could revisit the proposal for future batches if the order remained. “Polytechnic education is very good for poor people,” he said, adding that government polytechnics give rural families an affordable route into technical education.
The amended order is yet to be issued. Nithish said AIDSO would wait to see what the government puts in the revised GO before deciding its next course.
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