Telangana Polytechnic Students Protest G.O. No. 97/2026, Demand Cancellation of YISU Merger

Students and SFI Leaders Stage Statewide Protests Against Government Order

Hyderabad: Polytechnic students across Telangana have intensified their protests against the Telangana State Government’s G.O. No. 97/2026, which proposes changes to Polytechnic education in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and brings the programme under the framework of the Young India Skill University (YISU), established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Student organisations and activists have strongly opposed the government’s decision, arguing that the proposed changes could adversely affect students from economically weaker sections. They have raised concerns over the possibility of increased education fees and reduced access to scholarships, which could make Polytechnic education less accessible to poor and middle-class families.

Concerns Over Higher Education Opportunities

Protesters also expressed concern about the future academic and career opportunities available to Polytechnic students after completion of their courses. According to the protesting students and organisations, the proposed system could place greater emphasis on producing job-ready manpower rather than providing students with adequate opportunities for higher education, advanced technical studies and academic progression.

They demanded that Polytechnic education should remain affordable and should provide students with clear pathways to pursue higher technical education and professional qualifications.

Statewide Dharnas and Demonstrations

In protest against the government order, dharnas and demonstrations were organised in front of Polytechnic colleges across Telangana. Students and activists raised slogans demanding the immediate withdrawal of G.O. No. 97/2026 and protection of the interests of Polytechnic students.

A major protest was held at Ramanthapur Polytechnic College in Hyderabad, where State President S. Rajanikant and State Secretary T. Nagaraju participated and addressed the protesters.

In Nalgonda, Central Committee member K. Shankar participated in the protest and extended support to the students’ demands. District-level leadership also took part in demonstrations organised at various district headquarters across the state.

Demand to Withdraw G.O. No. 97/2026

The protesters demanded that the Telangana government reconsider its decision and immediately cancel G.O. No. 97/2026. They urged the government to hold consultations with students, teachers and representatives of Polytechnic institutions before implementing major changes to technical education.

The protesting organisations said that Polytechnic education must remain affordable, accessible and connected to opportunities for higher education, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged families.

The movement is expected to continue until the government responds to the students’ concerns and takes steps toward addressing their demands.#oursociety #oursocietynational #oursocietymeadiagroup