Government initiates major restructuring of higher education system in AP

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has initiated a major restructuring of the higher education system to align with its long-term vision of Swarnandhra 2047.

The authorities have identified several systemic issues in the current structure, including fragmented administration, overlapping responsibilities, lack of a unified authority, delay in decision-making and poor coordination between departments. Key problems reportedly include the separation of control between government and private colleges, dual reporting systems between technical and higher education departments, and fragmented student data systems.

Additionally, it is felt that the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has deviated from its original advisory role and has taken on regulatory and administrative functions, leading to inefficiencies and conflicts of interest.

To address these challenges, the government has created a new Commissionerate of Higher Education (CHE) by redesignating the existing Commissionerate of Collegiate Education and merging it with the now-abolished Department of Technical Education. All related functions, including polytechnics and technical education bodies are brought under the CHE to ensure a unified governance structure.

The CHE will henceforth act as the single authority, overseeing higher education, with powers over administration, finance, discipline, approvals for private colleges, and admissions process. It will also serve as the central point for coordination with the Government of India and implementation of national and State initiatives.

A key reform is the introduction of integrated digital systems, including the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID for students, enabling lifelong academic tracking, credit transfer and linkage with employment platforms like the Naipunyam portal.

Post-restructuring, APSCHE will return to its core role as a policy advisory body focusing on planning, quality assurance, curriculum development and research.

Concerns expressed

While it is being said that this reform aims to shift from a fragmented, activity-based system to a unified, outcome-driven model focused on employability, efficiency and long-term growth in higher education in the State, the decision has not gone down well with some of the student unions who have expressed strong reservations against it.

The All India Students Federation (AISF) has said that the decision would weaken the Higher Education Council and has warned of State-wide protests “should the Council be rendered ineffective”.

The student body expressed concern that sidelining the council and transferring its powers could affect transparency in admission processes and pave the way for increased private and corporate influence in the education sector, making higher education costlier and less accessible to poor and middle-class students.

The federation demanded restoration of full autonomy to the Higher Education Council and withdrawal of government orders (GO No. 3) reducing its powers.