Landless AKNU takes over Govt Arts College

Rajhmundary, September 24: A major controversy and resistance from the people is brewing with the Adi Kavi Nannaya University (AKNU) trying to take over the control of the 150-year-old Government Arts College (Autonomous) shortly.

Government of Andhra Pradesh issued a GO NO 136, on September 18, 2009 under section 50 of the Andhra Pradesh Universities Act 1991. As per the Government Order signed by principal secretary to Government Suresh Chanda the entire maintenance and control of the renowned Government Arts College comes under the purview of AKNU from the academic year 2009- 2010 in all aspects.

The college came into existence in 1853 under the then Composite Madras State. The then Government sanctioned three colleges at Madras, Kumbhakonam and Rajahmundry.

The college situated in a sprawling 40 acres of land in the heart of the city.

Former President of India Dr Sarvepalli Radha Krishnan worked as lecturer in Philosophy Department and other personalities such as-Kandukuri Veeresalingam Panthulu, Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu, Koka Subba Rao, Gadicharla Hari Sarvottama Rao, V Krishna Menon, Damerla Rama Rao, father of former president of India V V Giri and many a great persons studied in the 150 year old college.

Meanwhile, the GO 136 issued by the Government is generating controversy in the city.

Many elite of the city, non governmental organisations are opposing the Government’s decision and AKNU taking over the historic College.

Speaking to media at press club here on Wednesday Government College Planning and Development Board secretary Tummidi Ram Kumar demanded that the Government cancel the GO No 136, immediately, which hamper the development of the college.

As many as 300 teaching and non-teaching staff working in the college will face problems on various aspects, he said. The board is taking steps to get Deemed University status to the college and the college also secured NAAC ‘A’ grade status during 2001, which will be in force upto 2013.

Women’s hostel, library building, PG block and other structures are coming up in the premises with crores of rupees funds, to get the status of a Deemed University, he stated.

NAAC team consisting of three Vice-Chancellors which visited the college expressed satisfaction on the infrastructure in the college, Ram Kumar said.

The Government should roll back its decision and protect the age old Government college, he demanded. It is the duty of the Government to conserve the ancient structures. Hundreds of IAS, IPS and other officials were products of this college he said.

The state government miserably failed to acquire 300 acres of land required for the AKNU since three years. Because of this the college running classes in Government College on shift basis he told. “We will not allow to transfer the management of college to AKNU,” he asserted.

CPI district secretary Meesala Satyanarayana said they will launch an agitation on a large scale involving students, citizens of Rajahmundry, non-governmental organisations etc until the Government cancels the GO. The GO shows the inefficiency of the government in securing land to AKNU he remarked, he said.

The Government is showing step-motherly attitude on AKNU since from its inception in allotting land to the university. Other universities such as Yogi Vemana University in Kadapa, Telangana University in Nizamabad secured lands and buildings were constructed, he said.

A meeting will be convened on September 26 at Anam Rotary Hall with the leaders of political parties, non-governmental organisations, people and others to discuss about the future course of action he averred.

–Agencies0