In Adilabad, public leaders face criticism for neglecting the educational needs of local youth. Many feel these leaders prioritize personal interests over the benefits a university could bring to the community.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) had once identified Adilabad as a good place for a higher education institution. However, despite being one of the ten original districts of Telangana, it remains the only one without a university, highlighting a lack of government action over the years.
Adilabad is rich in natural resources, with coal mines, limestone, and manganese deposits. Rivers such as the Godavari and Pranahita flow through the area. This diverse environment offers great research potential, yet students have to leave the district for higher education, often dropping out due to cost and travel issues.
While there are study centers and distance learning options from Ambedkar University in places like Adilabad and Mancherial, the absence of full postgraduate colleges limits educational opportunities.
Despite Adilabad’s significant tribal population and borders with Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, it didn’t get a promised tribal university. Announced by the UPA government in 2008, the plan moved to Mulugu district due to political and local neglect, upsetting tribal leaders and students.
Nirmal was chosen for a university, backed by the Knowledge Commission led by Sam Pitroda, with ₹55 crore allocated for Saraswati University. However, the state’s division halted progress, and the area’s only postgraduate center, linked to Kakatiya University, has closed.
A proposed government engineering college, planned under GO 67 and linked to JNTU Hyderabad, was stalled due to land issues and elections.
Local educationist Nange Srinivas has long advocated for Saraswati University, engaging with officials to emphasize its importance. A recent meeting in Adilabad, hosted by a major newspaper, showed widespread support from students and community leaders. Following this, activist Baddam Purushottam Reddy created a Joint Action Committee (JAC) under the University Sadhana Samithi to push forward with plans.
