Hyderabad: Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Wednesday alleged that the Congress government in Telangana is actively attempting to divert university lands for private use. This is without making any budgetary provisions for strengthening the education system.
Speaking at a press meet, Reddy accused the state government of operating in “mission mode” to privatise educational land assets. He cited a recent attempt to flatten forested land belonging to Hyderabad Central University. According to him, the move ignored ecological and biodiversity concerns. The intervention of the Supreme Court forced the state to halt its efforts.
He further stated that the government has now shifted focus to the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Gachibowli. Here, it is allegedly preparing to reclaim 50 acres and hand it over to private entities.
Reddy said that university land should be preserved to meet future infrastructure needs. It is also important to maintain a conducive environment for students. He criticised the state government for prioritising land monetisation over academic development.
“The Revanth Reddy-led administration is more interested in expanding its land bank for financial exploitation than in addressing the long-term educational needs of students,” he said. He accused the state of pushing universities and the education sector into darkness.