Universities and colleges in Telangana have managed a forgettable number of accreditations from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) that sets the benchmark for quality education. Only 153 colleges and two state universities have accreditation among about 3,000-odd colleges and 10 universities in Telangana.

Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Nalgonda, got accreditation with Bgrade when NAAC released a list of institutions approved by the 17th Standing Committee on September 16. Last December, Telangana University was the first one to be rated by the national council. Among colleges, St. Mar tin's Engineering College, Hyderabad, and Government Degree College for Women, Hyderabad, also figured in the latest accreditation list.

In contrast, neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have a far higher number of NAACaccredited institutions.

The NAAC conducts inspection of colleges across the country to determine the quality of education on basis of which it accredits institutions of higher learning and ranks colleges.

Educationists say lack of accreditation can lead to loss of funds granted under various schemes by the University Grants Commission.

"We are asked about NAAC accreditation in connection with any financial assistance. Hence, it is mandatory for us to cite our academic ratings. All institutions have to use it as a basis to get funds," said Khaja Altaf Hussain, vice-chancellor of MGU.

According to sources, over 200 colleges from Telangana have applied for accreditation so far and were awaiting approvals from the standing committee.

A while back, a major hurdle for state universities to get accreditation was appointment of vice-chancellors. However, now the bigger impediment is filling up vacant teachers' posts.

"VCs have been appointed, so that is sorted. But filling up vacant teaching posts is turning out to be tricky with the government insisting on approvals," said Battu Satyanarayana, president of Telangana state federation of university teachers' association.

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BY M. DIVYA SRI