Central Tribal University boon for Uttarandhra region, says YS Jagan

VIZIANAGARAM: Union Minister for Education and Skill Development Dharmendra Pradhan laid the foundation stone for the Central Tribal University in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in Chinnamedapalli of Mentada mandal in Vizianagaram district on Friday.

The university would be constructed on an area of 561.88 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 834 crore. Dharmendra Pradhan along with YS Jagan unveiled a plaque to mark the foundation of Central Tribal University.

Addressing a mammoth public gathering at Maradam in Dattirajeru mandal in the district, YS Jagan said, “Revolutionary steps have been taken to bring the tribals into the mainstream, who have been oppressed for generations. The State Government is working for the development of tribals with integrity and taking necessary steps for their holistic development.” He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sanctioning a Central Tribal University for Andhra Pradesh, as per the assurance given in AP Reorganisation Act.

The Chief Minister said that English was being taught in the medium of study to give them opportunities to compete with the world for the educational empowerment of tribals. Apart from that, the subject teacher concept was being implemented in the schools of Class III. Tabs were given to the students of Class VIII and implemented schemes like Shaadi Thofa and Kalyanamasthu to encourage education among girl students. Apart from that, complete fee reimbursement schemes, Vidya Deevena and Vasthi Deevena were also being implemented by the government for students' future, he said.

“The establishment of the Central Tribal University in this region will help to change the future of the coming generations. The permanent buildings which will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 834 crore will be ready within three years. The students who pursue their post graduation courses in the University will have a bright future. The State Government has implemented welfare schemes for the tribals at an unprecedented level in the last four-and-half years and asked the Centre to support the State further,” YS Jagan said.

An engineering college was coming up at Kurupam, a medical college at Paderu and the construction of an international airport at Bhogapuram would be the face of the Uttarandhra region in the coming years and could be considered as a testimony of the State Government’s commitment towards the people, he added.

Highlighting the welfare done to the tribals, YS Jagan said that tribals were given political empowerment, Salur MLA Peedika Rajanna Dora was included in the State cabinet and appointed as one of the Deputy Chief Ministers. Around 200 units of free electricity were being supplied to over 4.58 lakh tribal families in the State. Apart from that, two districts, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam, were formed covering the tribal villages of erstwhile Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and East Godavari districts, he said. YS Jagan added that around Rs 11,547 crore was given to 36.12 lakh tribal families in the State through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme.

Earlier, Dharmendra Pradhan said, “Despite political differences, we will work together for development. The Central Government is committed to the development of Andhra Pradesh. The Central Tribal University will promote skills, sports, research as well as applied emergency technology. Moreover, as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the university will also provide education in mother tongue which is essential for learning.” He also commended the efforts of YS Jagan for introducing multi-language textbooks for students.

Dharmendra Pradhan said that the University would be a major educational hub as it would have access to the students of neighbouring States such as Odisha, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. He also assured that the Central Government would provide Rs 2,000 crore in a phased manner for the expansion of the University in future.