Telangana Chief Minister keeps suspense on student nativity

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao seems to be softening his stand on the “nativity issue” for students. In an informal chat with the media here late on Saturday, Mr Chandrasekhar Rao said, what has been appearing in the media over fixing 1956 as the cut-off year to determine Telangana nativity, was only one side of the coin and that there is another side to it, which will come out soon when guidelines are issued.

When some reporters brought to his notice that though hailing from Seemandhra, their children were born and studied in Hyderabad and they would not be Telangana locals if 1956 as cut-off year is taken into account, Mr Chandrasekhar Rao said, “The 1956 issue and nativity issues are different. The 1956 cut-off year is only to extend financial assistance to Telangana students to pursue higher education and is not applicable to other things like admissions, jobs among others. Moreover, if any student was born and had studied here, they are our people.

There is no doubt about that. There will be clarity on all these issues when guidelines are issued soon.” He said unnecessary confusion is being created on the nativity issue by some people.

“All the students need to submit nativity certificates to avail the benefits. Suppose, if any student submits a certificate saying that he is from Bhimavaram, why should we pay the fees for such students? If students themselves claim that they are non-locals here in their certificates, we will exempt such students,” Mr Chandrasekhar Rao added.

When asked, which state is progressing faster after bifurcation, the chief said, “We cannot draw comparisons. Each state has its own advantage. The advantages, which Maharashtra has in some sectors, may not be the available to Andhra Pradesh or Telangana.”