During a significant hearing organized by the Telangana Education Commission (TEC) on Friday, a chorus of voices from Osmania University—including students and research scholars—underscored the critical need for a safer, more supportive academic environment. Key demands centered on improved hostel facilities, consistent academic counseling, and an equitable support system for all constituent colleges to truly thrive.
A recurring point of concern was the inadequate scholarship amounts currently provided to students. Speakers emphasized that these funds simply haven’t kept pace with the soaring costs of living and hostel mess charges, disproportionately affecting students from rural areas and marginalized communities who rely heavily on this aid.
Faculty and administrative staff also brought their grievances to the fore. A primary issue for teaching staff was the urgent need for revised remuneration. Meanwhile, non-teaching contract staff highlighted persistent job insecurity and chronically low wages as their main struggles. While acknowledging the recent Group IV cadre allocations, leaders from the Employee’s Union called for more comprehensive reforms to address these long-standing issues.
Specific administrative improvements were also suggested. G. Srinivas Rao, the chief hostel warden, proposed that the “fine rice” subsidies currently benefiting Gurukul institutions should be extended to university hostels. This, he argued, would significantly alleviate the financial strain of mess bills for students. Adding to this, Y. Kalyana Lakshmi, Director of Women’s Hostels, made an empathetic appeal for greater understanding and support for faculty members who often balance demanding teaching roles with administrative responsibilities.
In an earlier, dedicated session, the university’s academic leadership, led by Vice-Chancellor Kumar Molugaram, provided the TEC with a detailed presentation outlining Osmania University’s current needs and its strategic roadmap for the future.
The hearing was attended by TEC Chairman Akunuri Murali and members P. L. Vishweswar Rao, Charakonda Venkatesh, and K. Jyotsna Shiva Reddy, demonstrating the commission’s commitment to addressing these vital concerns.