Several tribal welfare organisations have urged both the Union and State governments to expedite the process of constructing a permanent campus for Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh proposed in Saluru Assembly constituency in Parvatipuram-Manyam district.
The university is currently functioning from the old Andhra University campus.
The outfits have also urged the governments to sanction teaching and non-teaching staff ahead of 2024-2025 academic year, as the university is keen on starting new courses.
The university needs more teaching and non-teaching staff to offer new courses from the new academic year. Currently, the strength of the teaching staff is 18 as against the approved strength of 95, according to sources. The number of non-teaching staff is only 12 as against the sanctioned 106.
“We are thankful to the government for its support in acquiring land and sanctioning funds for permanent structures in Saluru constituency. The initiative has led to demand for seats in the university. If the nod is given for the recruitment process, we can start new courses this year itself,” says an official on condition of anonymity.
Tribal Rights Forum’s State president Robba Lovaraju has urged the government to take initiative for sanctioning new posts immediately to ensure admission of tribal students in the ensuing academic year.
“The government cannot take any decision after the notification is issued for general elections. So, it has to take steps immediately. Unless the teaching faculty is recruited, the university cannot start new courses immediately,” says Mr. Lovaraju.
He has also sought 50% reservation for tribals in recruitment of teaching staff and 100% reservation for filling non-teaching posts.
Parvatipuram-Manyam district’s Tribal Youth Organisation leader K. Ramana says that students of remote areas of A.P.-Odisha border will be able to pursue higher education only when the university is strengthened in all aspects.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) State spokesperson and convener of Vizianagaram district K. Dayanand has urged the government to complete land acquisition for laying approach road on the Mentada-Saluru route to transport construction material to the site.
