New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha unanimously passed the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which aims to establish a Central Tribal University in Telangana. The bill, already approved by the Lok Sabha on December 7, amends the Central Universities Act, 2009. The proposed university, named 'Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University,' will primarily focus on providing higher education and research facilities for India's tribal population. The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, mandates the establishment of a Tribal University in Telangana by the central government. During the debate on the bill, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed concerns about the delay in setting up the university in Telangana, attributing it to the time taken by the state government to identify a suitable location. The estimated cost for the 'Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University' is around Rs 900 crore. Pradhan also shared positive trends in Ph.D. course registrations, noting an 81% increase from 2014-15 to 2021-22, with over two lakh registrations. Moreover, women's enrollment in Ph.D. courses witnessed a notable surge of 106% during the same period. Underlining the government's commitment to filling vacancies in higher education institutes, Pradhan revealed that more than 11 thousand posts out of 18 thousand vacant positions have been filled in the last two months. Additionally, he announced the government's mandate for NAAC accreditations for all higher institutions. The passage of the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023, marks a significant step towards providing accessible and quality education for India's tribal population. VIDEO! Goat Gives Birth to 'Alien-Like' Baby in Indore, Prepare to Be Amazed 8 Thousand Guns, 22 Lakh Car... Discover the Extent of Property Owned by the New CM of Madhya Pradesh Prem Chand Bairwa: Political Journey of the Newly Appointed Deputy CM in Rajasthan