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The Hindu
29-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
North Andhra leaders urge Chief Minister to fast-track Makavarapalem, Paderu medical colleges
Leaders from North Andhra have urged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to back their stated commitment to the region's development with concrete action. The Forum for Development of North Andhra (FDNA) has expressed concern over the abrupt halting of construction work at the Government Medical College in Makavarapalem, which had been progressing well during the YSRCP regime. Similarly, the Paderu Medical College project is moving at a sluggish pace, with key infrastructure yet to be completed. 'In Paderu, three slabs have already been laid and major civil works were completed under the previous government. However, we were surprised to see construction equipment being shifted to Amaravati during a recent site visit,' said A. Aja Sarma, FDNA general secretary. Mr. Sarma said the forum had written to the Chief Minister on July 8, requesting immediate resumption of work. He emphasised that improved access to medical education is crucial for the backward North Andhra region, which has long been neglected by successive governments. Due to the shortage of medical seats, many students from the State are forced to pursue studies in countries like China, Ukraine, and several African nations. 'Setting up and completing government medical colleges is not just a policy decision — it's a necessity,' he said. At Paderu, only 50 of the sanctioned 100 seats were filled in the first batch due to poor infrastructure. With hostels yet to be completed, accommodation for a second batch of students will be a challenge. Of the required 180 staff members, only 79 have been appointed so far, and many posts are being filled on a temporary basis. Former professor at the Centre for Economic and Social Sciences (CESS), C. Ramachandraiah, criticised Mr. Naidu's continued focus on Amaravati at the cost of balanced regional development.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Forum appeals to Prez for expedite development of CTUAP
Visakhapatnam: Ahead of the first convocation of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh (CTUAP), the Forum for Development of North Andhra (FDNA) appealed to President to expedite the university's development. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now President Murmu will attend the first convocation of the CTUAP, to be held at the Andhra University Convention Centre on RK Beach Road in Vizag city on June 10. Established in 2019 under the AP Reorganisation Act, the CTUAP currently operates from the old AU buildings in Vizianagaram. The university's permanent campus will come up at Chinamedapalle of Mentada mandal in Vizianagaram district. In a letter to President Murmu, chairman and general secretary of FDNA, Prof KV Ramana and A Aja Sarma appealed for urgent need for completing the full development of the CTUAP, which holds immense promise for tribal youth not only in Andhra Pradesh but across the nation. Although the university was established with great expectations as per the AP Reorganisation Act-2014, its development has unfortunately remained incomplete. The permanent campus construction is still pending and in its primary stage though it is already more than 10 long years have elapsed, they mentioned. This university continues to function from a temporary facility with limited infrastructure. Furthermore, there is a serious shortage of teaching and non-teaching staff, which affects the quality of education and student services. Around 180 students are presently pursuing mostly from other states, of which nearly half of them are girls and these students are facing several hardships for getting accommodation, since there is no hostel facility which causes safety issues of girls, FDNA added. Though it is a tribal university there is no provision for enrolment of more tribal students other than normal reservation which may jeopardise the very concept of tribal university. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Hence, there is a need to make rules so that at least 50% seats are allocated to the tribal students, said the forum. The FDNA appealed to ensure expedited construction of the permanent campus and completion of all pending civil works. Facilitate appointment of qualified faculty and staff to fill all required posts. Urge the ministry of education and relevant authorities to provide adequate funding and infrastructure, including hostels, libraries, laboratories, and digital resources, and allocate at least 50% seats to tribal students. Promote inclusive development policies that ensure CTU becomes a model institution for tribal empowerment.
