Hyderabad: Opposing the merger of 59 govt polytechnic colleges with Young India Skill University, former minister T Harish Rao demanded the state govt to immediately withdraw the GO No 97 issued on the merger. He alleged that the state govt was suppressing the democratic voice of students instead of addressing their genuine concerns.Speaking at Subedari police station in Hanmakonda on Thursday, on his way to extend support to the protesting students at Warangal polytechnic college, Harish Rao said the state govt was behaving in an extremely harsh manner towards polytechnic students who were peacefully protesting against the proposed merger of polytechnic education with the Skill University.“Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is ruthlessly suppressing the voices of polytechnic students. Cases are being filed against them and allegations of physical mistreatment are emerging. Are these children terrorists or anti-social elements? They are only fighting to protect their future and demanding that polytechnic education should not be merged with the Skill University,” he said.Harish Rao said the proposed Skill University operates on a Public-Private Partnership model and expressed concern that bringing govt polytechnic colleges under it could eventually amount to privatisation.“Today, polytechnic students complete three years of education by paying only around ₹5,000 per year, or ₹15,000 for the entire course. If these colleges are brought under a private-oriented Skill University and fees are increased arbitrarily tomorrow, what will happen to poor and middle-class students?” he asked.He also highlighted the importance of the existing lateral-entry pathway for polytechnic students.“Polytechnic students are able to enter the second year of engineering directly because their education is recognised under the existing system and approvals. If they are shifted into a different structure, they could lose this important opportunity. The state govt must not take decisions that jeopardise their academic and career prospects,” Harish Rao said.Harish Rao also questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his response to the protests in Telangana.“Rahul Gandhi ji, you are fighting on various issues in Delhi and Bihar. Why are you not coming to Telangana? Students, unemployed youth and farmers are on the streets here. Young people are fighting for fee reimbursement and employment notifications. Before the elections, you went around libraries and spoke about youth issues. Why are you silent today?” he questioned.ends/
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