Hyderabad: JNTUH has allocated its EAPCET office to a guesthouse, which a circular describes as a ‘Women Employees Waiting Hall – Personal Care and Wellness Facility’. Registrar Dr. Jayalakshmi issued the circular on Monday. The circular states that the university took the decision at the request of employees. The university, which has been at the centre of controversies, now faces fresh objections.
JNTUH has conducted EAPCET for decades and has the distinction of holding the most rigorous examinations. It runs an office specifically for EAPCET, and no one is allowed into it. The office holds computers and servers, and CCTV cameras keep it under constant surveillance.
Critics object to converting the most crucial and confidential office in the conduct of entrance examinations into a wellness centre for women employees. The process for EAPCET 2027 is set to start in December, and the exam will be conducted based on the records, details and files kept there. Critics are questioning the allotment, saying it ignores these factors.
The admissions season is still on in the state. The second round of B.Sc. Nursing counselling has ended, but more rounds are yet to take place. The B.Pharmacy admissions process also remains incomplete.
The conversion of the office at this crucial time has become a hot topic of discussion. There are concerns that letting others come and go in an office that holds questions, records, admissions information and other sensitive details will breach privacy. Some argue that JNTUH should withdraw the decision.
Higher Education Council steps in
The Higher Education Council has received complaints about the allocation and responded strongly. Reports say the Council and EAPCET department officials objected because the university converted the office without informing them.
Council Chairman Professor V. Balakishta Reddy said EAPCET is a highly confidential process and the office cannot serve as a wellness centre. He said the Council does not oppose a wellness centre for the convenience of women employees. The Council has instructed university authorities to allocate an alternative space. He clarified that the university should ensure it does not compromise the confidentiality of the exams and admissions process.