Students and OUTA Protest Move to Give OU Land for Hospital

HYDERABAD: Students and teachers of Osmania University raised concerns about the land in Manikeshwarinagar, near Vaddera Basti on the campus, being given away to the state government to establish a 100-bedded super speciality hospital.

They alleged that this was proposed by Deputy Speaker in the Legislative Assembly T. Padma Rao, who had sanctioned Rs 140 crore to the university towards infrastructural development.

Members of Osmania University Teachers Association (OUTA) alleged that there was a tacit understanding between the Speaker and university vice-chancellor Prof. Dr Ravinder over these developments and consent for the hospital. Association president Prof. B. Manohar opposed the move to give land worth Rs 200 crore and cited the Chinappa Commission Report that resolved that the practise of allotting university land to outside agencies of either educational/research nature or otherwise be dispensed with totally, as recommended by the sub-committee constituted in 1985.

Jeevan, a student-activist, called on students and teachers to protest the move, and said, “We demand that action be taken for removal of and protection against encroachments as suggested by the Justice Gangadhara Rao Committee.”

They voiced their apprehensions, highlighting the importance of preserving the existing infrastructure and ensuring smooth functioning of academic activities. The issue could create a rift between the university community and the Telangana state government, they cautioned the authorities.

Meanwhile, Ravinder said that they haven't given any land to anyone and it is currently only a proposal.

"Any further decisions and discussion can happen only after there's any further development," he said.

As the controversy surrounding the allocation of university land persists, it remains to be seen whether a resolution can be reached that satisfies both the healthcare requirements of the local community and concerns of the varsity.