Hyderabad, Jan 26 (NationPress) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy criticized the Central government on Sunday for its alterations to the University Grants Commission (UGC) norms, claiming that it is attempting to infringe upon the powers of the states.

He asserted that there is a significant conspiracy behind the push for centralized control over universities, labeling the modifications to the UGC regulations as a direct assault on the Constitution.

The Chief Minister cautioned that if the Centre takes charge of the universities, these institutions will transform into platforms for malicious propaganda benefiting a select few. He declared that Telangana will vehemently oppose this initiative and will not relinquish its authority, indicating plans to collaborate with the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and other states to formulate a unified response.

Addressing a ceremony at Ambedkar Open University for the unveiling of a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chief Minister urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to retract the changes to the UGC norms, arguing that this regressive decision jeopardizes the very essence of cooperative federalism and contradicts Ambedkar’s principles. He further characterized the move as a cultural assault on states by the Central government.

“This action by the Central government is improper. It will pave the way for unnecessary disputes. We perceive this as a usurpation of state powers, which we regard as an assault on our rights. We are unwilling to surrender our entitlements,” he stated.

The Chief Minister insisted that the Centre must rescind the UGC changes, warning that failure to do so would provoke protests from the state.

Revanth Reddy also noted that if the Centre continues to strip states of their powers, they will be reduced to mere tax-collecting entities. He expressed regret that the nation is once again grappling with a discussion on the safeguarding of the Constitution.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister accused the Union government of injustice towards Telangana regarding the Padma awards, describing it as outrageous to overlook figures like Gaddar, Chukka Ramaiah, Ande Sri, Gorati Venkanna, and Jayadheer Tirumala Rao. He intends to write to the Prime Minister about this matter shortly.

Reiterating that Ambedkar Open University serves more than just issuing certificates, he recalled that the university was established as a social obligation by then Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao.

The Chief Minister emphasized that initiatives to address societal issues should originate from universities. He affirmed that his administration has taken steps to restore the education system, appointing vice-chancellors to fortify universities and directing them to address teaching and non-teaching vacancies. He opposed the privatization of universities, stating that it does not serve the public interest, and underscored the necessity to revitalize the universities in the state.