Shabbir Ali slams KCR for neglecting universities

Hyderabad, Feb 19 (INN): Deputy CLP leader in Legislative Council Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Thursday accused Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao of completely neglecting the education sector in Telangana State.

Addressing a press conference in Assembly premises here, Shabbir Ali said seven out of nine State universities have no Vice-Chancellor for the past several months.

Further, the varsities are facing shortage of both teaching and non-teaching staff. They lack adequate funds to continue with the normal functioning.

Shabbir Ali also accused the TRS Government of treating the students of Osmania University and Kakatiya University as his enemies. While both the universities have no Vice-Chancellors, the government declined block grants to both the varsities.

While the OU needed Rs 321 Crore, the government allocated only Rs 170 crore. Similarly, as against the need for Rs 124 Crore for Kakatiya University, the government allocated only Rs 47 crore.

Further, it diverted the UGC grants and Research and Development (R&D) funds to pay salaries. He feared that the both OU and KU might lose NAAC Accreditation due to non-appointment of Vice-Chancellors.

Stating that every government gives priority to key sectors like Agriculture, Health and Education, the Congress leader alleged that KCR has completely derailed those sectors in Telangana State.

Non-implementation of Rs 1 lakh loan waiver promise, erratic power supply and non-payment of adequate MSP drove over 700 farmers to suicide.

Similarly, large number of deaths due to Swine flu has exposed the deteriorating condition of health sector in the State. By neglecting education sector, KCR is now trying to play with the lives and careers of students, he alleged.

Shabbir Ali said that the Chief Minister was unable to decide his priorities. Instead of hastening up appointment of Vice-chancellors and other staff in all universities, the Chief Minister is devoting more time to discuss issues like draining out Hussain Sagar Lake.

While KCR is willing to spend Rs 150 crore on the new Secretariat building, he is not concerned about releasing funds for the universities.

The Congress leader advised KCR to stop acting like a 'Tuglaq' and set right the education sector in Telangana by appointing VCs, teaching and non-teaching staff and provide adequate funds. He said tallest buildings do not guarantee a bright future, but best education system and infrastructure ensures a good future for the State.

The Congress leader also questioned the silence of Telangana Joint Action Committee chairman Prof M Kodandaram and other activists on the deteriorating conditions in universities. He said Telangana became a reality due to the struggle and sacrifices made by the students of Osmania and other universities.

Therefore, it would be a moral crime if their future is neglected by the government. He appealed to Prof Kodandaram and others to raise their voice and launch a joint agitation to get justice for the students.

Shabbir Ali demanded that the appointment of Vice-Chancellors should be completed by the end of this month. Else, the Congress party would launch a massive agitation.

When asked for reaction on KCR's comments that there were no settlers in Hyderabad, Shabbir Ali said there was nothing new in KCR changing his words.

Citing instances, he said KCR first described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'fascist' and then started praising him. Similarly, he accused Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu of sabotaging Telangana's interest.

Later, he described Venkaiah as Telugu pride. He said KCR has become habitual of frequently changing his stand and statements.