Hyderabad: The Telangana government had undertaken polytechnic restructuring to integrate technical education with industry-oriented skills and improve employment opportunities, Minister G. Vivek Venkataswamy said on Thursday.
The SHAKTI and Mines Minister said the government had issued GO 97 on June 16, 2026. The order brought polytechnics under the Commissionerate of Employment and Training (CET). Previously, polytechnics functioned under the Commissionerate of Technical Education (CTE).
Speaking to the media at the Secretariat, Vivek said the decision was purely an administrative restructuring exercise. He clarified that the government had not intended to weaken polytechnic education or alter its identity.
The government aimed to bring polytechnics, ITIs and Advanced Technology Centres under a more integrated framework. The Young India Skills University would also form part of the system.
Polytechnic restructuring will retain diploma courses
Vivek said bringing these institutions under CET would help connect technical education, skill development and industry requirements.
The government had discussed the polytechnic restructuring with representatives of the Joint Action Committee. It also deliberated on ways to implement the changes without affecting students, faculty members or employees.
The Minister said the existing three-year diploma programmes recognised by the All India Council for Technical Education would continue without changes. Similarly, polytechnic diploma holders would retain the existing lateral-entry route into engineering colleges through TG ECET.
“There will be no change in the examination system for students,” Vivek said. The government would reorganise the State Board of Technical Education and Training into two divisions.
Under the new arrangement, the polytechnic division would function as a separate unit under CET. However, it would continue handling admissions, examinations, diploma examinations and other academic matters related to polytechnics.
Polytechnic restructuring will not cut jobs
Vivek assured employees that the existing cadre structure and sanctioned strength in the polytechnic division would remain intact. There would be no job cuts because of the administrative changes, he said. Moreover, the government would fully protect the service conditions of existing polytechnic employees.
Their status as government employees would remain unchanged. Existing pay scales, dearness allowance, increments, seniority and promotion benefits would also continue. In addition, employees would retain GPF, PRAN, gratuity and other pensionary benefits.
The Minister said the government had considered the concerns of employees while preparing the administrative changes. It would continue consultations with stakeholders during implementation.
Polytechnic restructuring to strengthen industry links
Vivek said the government was strengthening connections between technical institutions and industries to improve students’ employment prospects. As part of this effort, the state had entered into a 10-year memorandum of understanding with Tata Technologies Limited. The agreement involved an investment of Rs 2,300 crore, he said.
Meanwhile, the government had already developed 65 ITIs across Telangana into Advanced Technology Centres. More than 200 MoUs had also been signed with industries. These agreements covered placements, training, apprenticeships, internships and curriculum upgradation.
The Minister announced that the government would establish a dedicated placement cell in every polytechnic college across Telangana. Through the Young India Skills University, the state would also use partnerships with different countries to create international employment opportunities for polytechnic students.
Telangana selected for four PM SETU clusters
Vivek said four clusters in Telangana had been selected under the Prime Minister’s PM SETU scheme. The programme aimed to promote skill development through the public-private partnership model. According to the Minister, Telangana had secured the highest number of PM SETU clusters in the country.
The government also planned to constitute a Joint Coordination Taskforce to oversee implementation of the polytechnic restructuring. The taskforce would include representatives from SBTET, AICTE and the Young India Skills University. Polytechnic lecturers would also have representation.
Vivek said the government would address concerns raised by students, faculty members and employees before implementing the changes.
He assured stakeholders that the restructuring would proceed after considering their views. The government would also protect existing academic arrangements and employee service conditions while strengthening links between polytechnic education, skills and employment.