Hyderabad: Osmania University’s faculty members and student groups have criticised the university administration for leasing out professor quarters and a portion of land on the campus to a private trust, arguing that the move goes against university rules.The two quarters, labelled P2 and P3, are located in a prime part of the university campus. They were reportedly leased to Adi Dhwani Trust at just ₹12,000 a year for each unit. Faculty members say the trust is now seeking additional space through a 30-year lease agreement.Teachers argued that the land and housing were meant to support university staff, many of whom are paying Rs.40,000 in rent each month elsewhere in the city due to a lack of available quarters. “Giving it to a private trust for just Rs.1,000 a month while teachers pay full rent makes no sense,” said Prof. B. Manohar, president of the Osmania University Teachers’ Association (OUTA). The association is demanding that the lease be cancelled and those responsible be held accountable.The union also pointed to the Justice Chinnappa Reddy Committee report, which clearly stated that no university land should be handed to private entities.Student groups also raised objections to the university decision. “This land belongs to the university and should be used for students and teachers, not outsiders,” said a student representative. Several unions have warned of protests if the lease is not withdrawn.Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Vice Chancellor Prof. Molugaram Kumar said the lease was approved by former in-charge VC Dana Kishore, according to records in the university’s official minutes. When asked if the lease could be suspended, he said any such decision would have to be taken by the Executive Council, which is not expected to meet for at least another month.
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