'No objection to Telangana formation'

Centre will act on Sri Krishna Commission report: Purandeswari

Speaking to media persons after attending the 20th convocation of Kuvempu University in Shankaraghatta near here on Sunday, she said the Union government will act on the demand for separate Telangana as per the report of Sri Krishna Commission.

The Commission, after interacting with a cross section of the society in Andhra Pradesh, will submit its report by the end of December. People can express their opinion on separate Telangana State to the Commission.  After gauging the public sentiment there, the Commission is likely to present the report, Purandeswari said.

“Personally I prefer to identify myself as a Telugu speaking person rather than being branded as a supporter of Andhra Pradesh or Telangana,” she said.

NCHE soon

The Union minister said that the Union cabinet will take a decision on formation of National Commission for Higher Education before the commencement of monsoon session of Parliament. It will regulate the functioning of institutes of higher learning in the nation, she added.

Allying fears that UGC and AICTE will be disbanded, Purandeswari said that the two bodies will be subsumed to NCHE. NCHE will develop a collegium for selection of Vice Chancellors but some State governments are reluctant to forsake the power to appoint Vice-Chancellors.

The intention of the exercise is to ensure that institutes of higher education are free from political intervention, she said. National Knowledge Commission had recommended to form NCHE and establish 1,500 more universities. The number of universities will be increased in phases to ensure easy access to higher education.

Union government is also contemplating to introduce national level common entrance test for admission to institutes of higher learning and professional colleges, she noted. She said that response from State governments for the reforms which Union HRD ministry has planned to introduce in schooling system is encouraging. CBSE board exam for 10th standard will be made optional henceforth.

Along with scholastic, there will be thrust on non-scholastic activities also to evolve students into multi-faceted talents, she added. Purandeswari said that the Union government is keen to introduce common syllabus and examination system for 10th standard nation-wide.

Nettakallappa gold medal

M S Amith, student of  Kuvempu University, won the Nettakallappa gold medal, instituted by Prajavani, for securing first rank in MA Journalism and Mass Communication.