Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Saturday demanded that the State Government immediately clear dues to ensure re-opening of mess in the Osmania University.
Addressing the hunger strike camp in the OU Hostel here, Shabbir Ali expressed regret over the insensitive attitude adopted by the TRS Government towards the OU students. Despite passing of one week since the closure of mess in Osmania University, the State Government did not respond. He said that the government was not concerned about nearly 700 students, including over 300 Research Scholars, who would be forced to starve if mess remains closed as they hail from economically weak background. “Most of the students are socially and economically poor and therefore, they cannot afford to spend money to buy food from outside,” he said.
“When TRS Government can spend Rs. 10 crore to celebrate Bathukamma festival and Rs. 100 crore to celebrate first anniversary of Telangana formation, why it cannot spend Rs. 7 crore to waive off mess dues?” asked Shabbir Ali. He alleged that Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao was taking revenge against OU students, who held protest against his failures and policies. “KCR has developed a kind of allergy against students and farmers. He is systematically damaging the education system. Almost all universities in the State have no Vice-Chancellors. Their appointment is being delayed as KCR himself wants to become the Chancellor of all universities by amending the Universities Act. He is willing to spend money on non-productive things like celebrations, but not on students,” he said.
Shabbir Ali assured the agitating students that Telangana Congress party would support the OU students and their cause. He assured that he would write a letter to the Chief Minister and others concerned to resolve this issue. He also demanded filling up of 60 posts of Professors in Osmania University which will fall vacant on June 30 due to retirement of existing professors. He said all the posts should be filled on war footing basis. (INN)