Panel to study modalities of KG to PG scheme

Hyderabad: Telangana government on Tuesday agreed to set up a committee of academicians to study its free and compulsory education program popularly known as 'KG to PG' scheme.

Taking part in the debate on Budget 2014-15, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao said the government had not yet finalised the modalities and was yet to decide on whether it should be compulsory from first standard or from a higher class.

Saying that it needs to be studied in detail, KCR announced in the House that a committee of academicians will be constituted and it will sit with leaders of political parties.

Recommendations made by the committee will be considered, KCR told the Assembly. The Chief Minister’s statement is also significant because leaders of Telangana teachers associations have recently conveyed their reservations over the KG to PG scheme to the government.

They have said instead of spending funds on new educational institutions like those for KG-to-PG, it is better if the government spends money on existing schools and institutions, and strengthens staff and infrastructure. Earlier, BJP floor leader Lakshman said only Rs 170 crore has been allocated to Osmania and Kakatiya Universities in the Budget 2014-15, while they were in need of huge funding.

Lakshman said Osmania University was facing a financial crisis and needs Rs 450 crore.

He pointed out that posts of Vice-chancellors, teaching and non-teaching staff were vacant and the government had to pay arrears to the tune of Rs 30 crore to Osmania University.