Education Not Monopoly Of Centre: Bhatti Vikramarka

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka today strongly opposed the University Grants Commission's new draft guidelines, arguing that they undermined State autonomy in higher education.

Speaking at the National Convention on Higher Education in Tiruvananthapuram, he likened the situation to "paying the bill but not being allowed to choose your meal".

Vikramarka criticised the Centre for expecting States to fund and manage universities while "excluding" them from key decisions, such as appointing Vice Chancellors and overseeing admissions.

He said that if such a trend continued, States would be reduced to ceremonial roles, merely inaugurating new university buildings, without any say in governance.

Pointing out that education fell under the concurrent list, he said that States must retain the right to develop institutions tailored to their social and demographic needs. "No State can ensure high-quality education without autonomy," he said, and urged States to actively assert their role in shaping educational policies rather than merely engaging in discussions.

Calling for a consultative approach rather than coercion in Centre-State relations, Vikramarka said that true federalism required the Centre to engage with States, not dictate terms unilaterally. He urged the States to unite and push for a collective action plan so that their unified voice could have a significant impact, and announced that Telangana was prepared to host the next conference in Hyderabad to chart a coordinated strategy for States to protect their rights in education.

"India's democratic spirit is unique, and nothing should undermine this," he said, and cautioned that failure to act now could lead to severe consequences for State-led education in the future.