Hyderabad, Telangana – Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced a Rs 1,000 crore allocation for development works at Osmania University on Wednesday. The Chief Minister stated the funds would upgrade the century-old institution to international standards. Reddy unveiled the government order sanctioning the funds during a visit to the campus.
Osmania University played a central role in the Telangana statehood movement. Reddy confirmed the government would seek input from students, academics, and intellectuals to guide the university’s transformation.
University Funding and Vision
The Rs 1,000 crore investment is directed at comprehensive development. Reddy emphasized the university’s historical significance and its role in producing prominent personalities. These include former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, former Union Minister S. Jaipal Reddy, folk singer Gaddar, and student leader George Reddy. Osmania University was at the forefront of the final phase of the Telangana agitation.
During his address, CM Reddy indirectly responded to criticism regarding his administrative experience. He highlighted his rural upbringing and firsthand experience with poverty. Reddy stated his commitment to working for the welfare of underprivileged citizens.
Government Initiatives and Criticism of Previous Administration
Reddy criticized the previous BRS government’s spending priorities. He cited the construction of a 10-acre bungalow and a grand Secretariat. He also referenced the Kaleshwaram project, executed at an estimated Rs 1 lakh crore. In contrast, Reddy detailed four major steps taken by his government:
- Declaring ‘Jaya Jaya He Telangana’ as the state song.
- Unveiling the portrait of Telangana Thalli, representing Bahujans.
- Classifying SC communities.
- Initiating a caste survey for the benefit of Backward Classes.
The Chief Minister also accused the previous BRS government of ‘ruining’ Osmania University. He urged students to avoid political influence, referencing alleged failures in the promise to allocate three acres of land to each Dalit family.
Focus on Education and Social Harmony
Reddy stressed education as a key tool for poverty alleviation. He noted the government no longer had sufficient land for distribution under poverty-alleviation schemes. A government survey indicated that families owning up to 20 acres of land were still categorized as ‘backward’ due to a lack of education. Reddy distinguished between poverty and backwardness, stating, “Poverty is different, and backwardness is different.”
To address this, the government is establishing Young India Integrated Residential Schools. These schools are planned for approximately 100 of the state’s 119 Assembly constituencies. Each school will house 2,500-3,000 students from various communities. The initiative aims to break caste barriers and promote social harmony across the state.