The educational system in Telangana has faced significant neglect since its merger with Andhra Pradesh. In 2011, Telangana’s literacy rate stood at 66.46%, with Hyderabad having a high literacy rate of 83.25%, while Mahbubnagar, one of the most backward districts, recorded only 55%. Educational funding was disproportionately allocated, with Telangana receiving only 30% of the funds compared to Andhra Pradesh’s 70%, despite both regions having similar population sizes.
Additionally, a substantial 63% of school dropouts from grades 1 to 5 in 2007-08 were from Telangana, reflecting the lack of educational support. Government resources for education, including teachers and funding for aided colleges, were notably lower in Telangana. Most universities were established in the Andhra region, further deepening the educational disparities between the two regions.
Hyderabad-Based Statewide Universities
Several universities were headquartered in Hyderabad and served the entire state, including:
- Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University
- Potti Sriramulu Telugu University
- Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
- A.P. State Council of Higher Education
Regional Universities
Osmania University, located in Hyderabad, and Kakatiya University in Warangal were among the major regional universities serving Telangana.
Relocation and Expansion Issues
During the Congress administration, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) was moved from Warangal to Hyderabad in what was perceived as a strategic decision. Under JNTU’s administration, new colleges were established in Kakinada and Tirupati, while no new colleges were set up in the Telangana region.
Developments Under NTR Government
The NTR government continued to support state-wide universities, such as Dravidian University in Kuppam and Sri Venkateshwara Institute of Medical Sciences in Tirupati. However, similar investments were not made in Telangana, contributing to further disparities in higher education opportunities.
