Polytechnic students continue to protest against Government Order No. 97 in Hyderabad, Telangana. On Friday, August 21, polytechnic students in Nalgonda blocked the convoy of Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, demanding a stay on the order.

The students stopped the minister's convoy near the clock tower in Nalgonda and expressed their concerns.

During a conversation with the minister, a student expressed that if the government order is implemented, the value of their diploma degree would be affected and they might face difficulties in obtaining admission to their preferred courses. The minister responded that the government's effort is to ensure employment opportunities for students from all sectors.

Why the Protests Against Order 97?

Students from various polytechnic colleges in Telangana are protesting against Government Order No. 97. Under this order, polytechnic colleges are planned to be integrated with ITI and apprenticeship training centers under the newly formed SHAKTI department.

In an order issued on July 3, the Telangana government renamed the Department of Labor, Employment, Training and Factories as SHAKTI. This name stands for Skills, Human Capital and Knowledge Training Initiatives. It also decided to bring polytechnic colleges under the purview of the Young India Skills University.

Earlier this week, students demonstrated in Ramanthpur, Musi Tank Dam, and reportedly in Ramnasapura and Bahadurpura. These protests disrupted traffic in several parts of Hyderabad.

A Task Force Will Be Formed for Polytechnic Education

Amid continued student protests, Telangana Labor Minister Vivek Venkatswamy on Thursday announced the formation of a Joint Coordination Task Force to oversee the proposed administrative restructuring of polytechnic education. It will include representatives from leading technical education institutions, polytechnic lecturers, and other stakeholders.

Speaking to the media at the Secretariat, the Minister stated that the restructuring aims to strengthen polytechnic education, align skill training with industry needs, and increase employment opportunities for students.

He explained that under Government Order No. 97, polytechnic institutes have been removed from the Directorate of Technical Education (CTE) and placed under the Directorate of Employment and Training (CET).

The Minister clarified that this change is limited to administrative restructuring only and is not intended to weaken the identity or system of polytechnic education.

According to Venkataswamy, three-year diploma courses approved by the AICTE will continue as before. There will be no change in their duration, accreditation, and academic structure.

There will also be no change in the fees prescribed by the government. This will not impose an additional financial burden on students and parents.

He explained that the SBTET will be reorganized into two divisions. The polytechnic wing will function as a separate entity under the CET.

The minister said that the admission process, examinations, diploma examinations and other academic activities in polytechnics will continue as before under the new administrative system.