Hyderabad: Osmania University has formally banned agitation on campus by interrupting academic and administrative activities, Dharnas and demonstrations. The decision was announced through a cycle, prohibiting any form of protest in universities, universities, centers and administrative buildings. The university said recurring protests hindered the smooth operation of academic conferences, delayed administration and sometimes raised security issues.
Under new directives, students and outsiders are prohibited from entering university buildings without authorization, protests or demonstrations, slogans that undermine academic or administrative actions, obstruct officials from performing their duties, or use abusive or offensive language against authorities or employees.
The government has urged students to follow formal channels to resolve complaints, encourage them to contact relevant institutional authorities or appointments with the Registration Service.
“We know students have concerns and we are committed to addressing them. However, protests are not allowed to undermine academics and administration,” a university official said.
Although the move was intended to maintain academic discipline and protect the university’s reputation, student activists raised concerns, saying it was an attempt to stifle dissent.
Student leader Naveen Yadav K. said in a conversation with Deccan Chronicle: “Universities are a space for debate and discussion. Where else can we be if we are not allowed to express our concerns on our own campus? It’s a kind of attempt to keep the voices of students silent.”
OU, long-time center for student activism, witnessed new political tensions earlier this week. BRS Vidyarthi leaders protested against Congress Mlas Beerla Ilaiah and Yennam Srinivas Reddy, allegedly making remarks against BRS MLC K. Kavitha, using them as symbolic condemnation.
Meanwhile, a row broke out between Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the BRS leaders, allegedly a false cycle in hotel conditions. CM shared the May 2023 notice with severe water and electricity shortages as an example, while BRS leaders accused him of spreading a tampered document claiming that such problems were not formally reported.
