ST Central University 2024: Central Tribal University Andhra Pradesh (CTUAP) located in Vizianagaram district is the second tribal university in India after Indira Gandhi National Tribal University in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh. Its main objective is to “provide avenues of higher education and research facilities to the tribal population in India”.
But five years since its inception in 2019 the university has not fulfilled its mandate in many areas. Lack of additional reservation for Scheduled Tribes and change in admission process due to Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has resulted in less seats for tribal students despite being located in tribal areas. The university even relies on faculty appointed on contract to take classes online to balance the working hours.
CUET Reservation Criteria/Policy 2024 for Central Universities
As per the policy reservation prescribed by the board, the seats in Central Universities are reserved as under:
CUET No special reservation for ST
Though the university is located in a tribal area, it can’t ensure ST students to get into the university. None of the three tribal universities have any special reservation for ST students beyond the 7.5% central reservation policy.
Academics also pointed out that without additional reservation for ST students, CTUAP is just another central university.
CUET Admission for ST
CUET was introduced in 2022, and it created more problems. Conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET UG is a national level entrance test for undergraduate programmes in 44 central universities and other participating institutions offering general programmes of study.
Like other central universities, the change in admission process left many seats vacant, delayed admissions by months and changed the nature and composition of student batches as students came from all over the country. It also defeated the purpose of setting up a tribal university in a tribal area.
For the last two years, the university has held second round admissions based on departmental tests. Social science and management departments are conducting joint admission tests, while science departments are conducting their own.
Lack of faculty and infrastructure in ST Universities
Also, the university is hampered by lack of a permanent campus. Old Andhra University campus has limited infrastructure and no student hostels. Lack of infrastructure means there are not enough faculty members to divide the work. Most of the professors are forced to do double the work hours. The university is relying on contract teachers who are mostly teaching online. A permanent campus for CTUAP may take time as the government is undecided between two locations in Vizianagaram district.
Way Forward
- Push for policy changes to increase ST reservation from 7.5% to match the university’s vision and location in a tribal area.
- Launch special admission drives and awareness campaigns in tribal areas to get more ST students to apply.
- Conduct departmental entrance tests along with CUET to fill seats and cater to the tribal students’ educational needs.
- A permanent campus with all facilities like hostels, classrooms, labs and libraries to accommodate growing student strength.
- Recruit more permanent faculty to reduce the number of contract teachers and ensure continuity of good education.
- While building on-campus facilities, develop online education systems to support traditional teaching methods.
- Provide student support services like academic advising, career counseling, mental health services and financial aid to help students succeed.