Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh has announced that the government will amend the JNTU Act within a month to resolve long-pending issues related to the allocation of teaching and non-teaching staff to JNTU Gurajada, Vizianagaram (JNTU-GV). Speaking in the Legislative Council in Amaravati, Lokesh said the amendment will provide clear options to employees of JNTU Kakinada and JNTU-GV, enabling a lawful and transparent process for staff allocation between the two universities.
Responding to a question raised by MLC Palavalasa Vikranth, the minister explained that JNTU-GV was established on January 12, 2022, under the 2021 Act, following amendments made to the JNTU Act of 2008. However, Section 45 of the 2008 Act lacked an enabling clause to facilitate the proper division and allocation of staff between JNTU Kakinada and JNTU-GV. This legal gap led to multiple complications, including employees who opted for transfer not being relieved and others choosing to stay, resulting in administrative confusion and legal disputes. Lokesh said the issue has triggered around 27 cases in the High Court, and the government is committed to resolving these cases in a timely manner once the legal framework is corrected.
The minister said the proposed amendment will bring much-needed clarity to the staff allocation process and help stabilize academic and administrative operations at JNTU-GV. He added that the government is keen to ensure that students do not suffer due to staffing uncertainties and that both universities function smoothly without disruptions. Lokesh also assured that the amendment process will be completed within the stipulated time and that the government will work closely with legal and academic stakeholders to avoid further litigation.
On the financial front, Lokesh addressed concerns about the financial stability of JNTU-GV and the audit objections raised under Section 46 of the JNTU Act. He said audit issues must be cleared to ensure compliance and transparency before further payments are released to the university. The government has already transferred Rs 119 crore to JNTU-GV and will release the remaining funds after the audit is completed. Lokesh stressed that the government aims to avoid any funding gaps and ensure that salaries, infrastructure needs and academic operations continue without interruption.
With the proposed legal amendment and financial support measures, the state government aims to put an end to prolonged uncertainty surrounding JNTU-GV, clear pending court cases, and create a stable administrative and financial framework for the university’s growth.