Officials from the central and state governments recently visited the proposed site for the Central Tribal University near Saluru in Parvathipuram-Manyam district.
Representatives of opposition parties and tribal organizations urged the state government to lay the foundation stone for the construction of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh near Saluru town in Parvathipuram-Manyam district. He said that its installation at the proposed site was getting delayed as the land acquisition was yet to be completed.
The state government had indicated that the foundation stone-laying ceremony would take place in June 2023, but officials have reportedly not cleared compensation for those who surrendered their land for the construction of the university.
The state government has to release around ₹25 crore For acquisition of 561.88 acres of land at Chinnamedapalli in Mentada mandal and Marivasa in Dattirajeru mandal. The university site is located in the Saluru assembly constituency, which is represented by Deputy Chief Minister Pedika Rajnadora, who handles tribal welfare.
tribal students affected
Palak Ranjit Kumar, general secretary of Girijana Sanskar Sangham-North Andhra region, said the delay in the construction of the university was affecting the higher education of tribal students.
He said the university, which currently functions from temporary buildings in Vizianagaram, lacks hostels. “The university is unable to start new courses due to lack of additional classrooms and hostels,” he added.
what does the opposition say
TDP-Parvathipuram Supervisor Boina Govinda Rajulu said the state government has not undertaken any development activity in the newly formed Parvathipuram-Manyam district. He said the then TDP government had acquired land at Relli village in Kothavalasa mandal of Vizianagaram district for setting up the university using central funds. “The YSRCP government had changed the site for its political gains but failed to construct the university in the last four years,” Mr Govindarajulu alleged.
Lok Satta Party state president Bhisetti Babaji asked the state government to appoint a special officer to expedite the process so that construction could begin in the new academic year 2023-24.
Jana Sena Party leader Wangala Dalinaidu said that despite its tall claims of tribal welfare, the state government was ignoring the development of Parvathipuram-Manyam district.
Meanwhile, the university management is urging the chief minister’s office in Vijayawada to release the funds. It is expected that the state government will take necessary steps.