Hyderabad: Osmania University takes ‘U’ turn on imposing ban on campus

In a statement on Sunday, OU Registrar Prof. G Naresh Reddy clarified that the circular issued on March 13 does not enforce a complete ban on student protests or agitations in open areas within the university.

Hyderabad: After a huge uproar from the student and teaching community, the Osmania University administration on Sunday took a ‘U’ turn on a circular that prohibited protests and dharna on the campus.

In a statement on Sunday, OU Registrar Prof. G Naresh Reddy said the circular issued on March 13 does not impose a blanket ban on student protests or agitations in open spaces within the university.

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The restrictions apply exclusively to the academic and administrative spaces within college departments and administrative premises, he said.

“The aim of the circular is to prevent disruptions that interfere with the smooth functioning of the university’s academic and administrative processes,” he said.

In the circular, the Registrar cited recent incidents, such as unauthorized occupation of the Principal’s room at Nizam College, disruptive activities at the University College of Arts & Social Sciences, and the forcible occupation of the Registrar’s Office for over four hours and said they significantly hindered essential academic and administrative work.

“In one instance, a few students remained overnight at the Vice-Chancellor’s office, which caused considerable disruption. Despite the university’s ongoing efforts to listen to student concerns, these disruptions, often occurring without prior notice, have impeded institutional progress. This led to the issuance of the circular,” he added.