CM Revanth sanctions ₹1,000 Cr for OU development

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has announced a ₹1,000 crore allocation for the development of Osmania University (OU), aiming to restore its historic prestige and elevate it to international standards. Speaking at a meeting with students and faculty outside the Arts College on campus, the CM said the government remains committed to the ideals of freedom, social justice, and equal opportunity that were central to the Telangana movement and the aspirations of OU and Kakatiya University students.

Alongside approving the fund, the Chief Minister unveiled the university’s master plan. To ensure student participation in the design process, a special QR code has been launched to collect their suggestions. CM Revanth emphasized his personal commitment to the university, noting that OU is among India’s oldest and most prestigious universities - ranked seventh nationally and third in South India - and aims to preserve its historic spirit while preparing for a globally competitive future.

He highlighted that students have always taken a leading role in addressing societal issues, drawing a parallel with the Telangana movement’s success. The CM reiterated that the university will be developed as a beacon for the world, emphasizing that education can uplift marginalized communities, instill self-respect, and foster opportunity.

CM Revanth referred to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s idea that true development is not about monuments but about delivering welfare to the poor. He also pointed out the government’s achievements, such as declaring “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” as the state anthem, unveiling the Telangana Mother symbol, addressing caste-based classification issues, and influencing the inclusion of social, economic, and educational data in the 2026 Census.

The Chief Minister further announced the launch of Young India Integrated Residential Schools to provide students with an environment conducive to skill development. He stressed that university appointments and decisions will remain free from political interference. Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Adluri Laxman Kumar, OU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kumar Mulugrama, and Arts College Principal Kashim attended the event.

Despite the announcement, the CM’s visit faced strong protests from student leaders. They accused the government of failing to fulfill promises made during elections, particularly regarding job appointments, release of the job calendar, unemployment allowances, scholarships, and pending fee reimbursements.

Student organizations expressed frustration that, although special funds were promised for OU’s development, no concrete action had yet been taken. They criticized the government for holding ceremonial visits instead of addressing pending student concerns and demanded that promises be implemented first.

Ahead of the visit, police deployed heavy security on campus. Protesting students shouted slogans such as “CM Down, Down” and displayed banners against the government. Several student leaders were preemptively detained or arrested, drawing criticism from both students and opposition parties. Critics described the move as a suppression of students’ democratic right to protest.

The protests were less about opposing the CM’s visit and more about pressing the government to act on pending employment and educational commitments.