State universities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh may be lacking initiative compared to Central universities and IITs. Many Central universities and IITs have been launching the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS) under their Schools of Humanities. However, sources in the State Councils of Higher Education say that no State university has proposed starting CIKS in their institutions.
A Telangana university Vice-Chancellor explained that universities need approval from the State government and the new center or courses must also be approved. Starting a CIKS requires careful evaluation, including considering the financial implications. This is a common issue for higher education institutions before starting new centers or schools.
The IITs in Hyderabad, Chennai, and Guwahati have already launched their CIKS. The Union Ministry of Education has also created a separate division to promote IKS and provide funding. This division will conduct research and study in various fields from an Indian perspective.
Foreign universities have been conducting research and study on IKS, and Indian students and researchers end up relying on this foreign intellectual capital. Central HEIs are competing to launch CIKS with funding from the Union Education Ministry and other sources. The reasons behind this competition could serve as a lesson for State universities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
