Hanamkonda Students Protest Polytechnic Merger With Shakti Scheme at Mulugu Road

Student protests against the proposed merger of polytechnic education with the Shakti scheme intensified in Hanamkonda on Thursday, marking the fourth consecutive day of demonstrations. Students and staff took to the streets demanding that the state government withdraw the move.

Responding to a call by the Telangana Polytechnic Joint Action Committee (TP-JAC), staff members of the Government Polytechnic College wore black badges and carried placards opposing the merger. The demonstrators raised slogans calling for the protection of polytechnic education and an immediate halt to its integration with the Shakti scheme.

The protesters raised concerns that the Shakti scheme proposed under GO 97 could undermine the autonomy and distinct identity of polytechnic education across Telangana. They urged the government to review the decision in the interest of students as well as teaching and non-teaching staff.

Former MLA and former chief whip Dasyam Vinay Bhaskar joined the protest in solidarity. He participated in a rally heading towards Mulugu Road Junction, where demonstrators organized a road blockade. Police subsequently took him into custody before releasing him on his own bond.

TP-JAC representatives stated that their peaceful agitation will continue until the government addresses their demands and reconsiders the proposed merger.