HYDERABAD: The stand-off between Telangana and AP governments continues with neither side showing any indication that it would concede ground to other in the conduct of EAMCET counselling for making admissions to professional colleges in both the states of Telangana and Andhra. Apparently under direction from the AP government, AP State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) filed an implead petition in the Supreme Court on Friday seeking permission to conduct counselling.
“APSCHE is autonomous institution. Its responsibility is to conduct counselling for colleges in both the states under the provisions of the AP State Reorganisation Act-2014. Since Telangana government is not coming forward for early counselling, we have filed an implead petition in the apex court,” APSCHE Chairman Dr L Venugopala Reddy said.
He pointed out that the Supreme Court in its judgement in civil appeal No. 9048/2012 had said: “Admission to academic courses should start by August 1 of the relevant year. The seats remaining vacant should again be notified and advertised. All seats should be filled positively by August 15 after which there should be no admissions, whatever be the reason or ground.”
The APCHE and the AP state government are now waiting for the Supreme court’s direction which they expect would be given on August 4 when the petitions by both the states would come up for hearing.
Mercury in political barometer rose on Friday morning when Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao made it clear that he would not reimburse tuition fee of Andhra students seeking admission to colleges in Telangana either fully or partially, obviously in reply to his AP counterpart’s proposal that the burden be shared in the ratio of 58:42 between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana respectively. Taunting Chandrababu Naidu, KCR said that whatever money that he may save by not paying for Andhra students would be given as an additional incentive to Telangana students. “I don’t mind paying Rs 5,000 extra to each Telangana student but if I begin paying for Andhra students, those from other states too would seek similar help from me. The Telangana government cannot do it,” he said.
The AP government had taken a serious exception to KCR’s stand and wanted to slam him again but retraced its steps as the APSCHE petition is before the Supreme Court and it would not be proper if it indulges in mudslinging just three days before the apex court is set to deliver judgement. This is stated to be the reason why HRD minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao who scheduled a media conference in the evening cancelled it subsequently.
Tough posturing
APSCHE’s move aimed at allowing admission of students to engineering colleges in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
APSCHE Chairman Venuopal Reddy says they will go by what the court says in respect of commencement of counselling.
Financial commitment for AP to fund education of Telangana students studying in Andhra
Rs 41.24 crore for those are already studying in educational institutions
Rs 13.81 crore for those who are expected seek fresh admission in Andhra Pradesh.
Total burden: Rs 55.05 crore
Financial commitment for Telangana to fund education of Andhra students in Telangana
Rs 103.13 crore for those who are already studying in educational institutions
Rs 49.46 crore for those who are expected to join this academic year
Total burden: Rs 152.59 crore