University of Hyderabad’s decision to reduce MA seats mets with backlash
Gachobowli:University of Hyderabad’s decision to reduce intake of students for Masters courses in various Departments of History, Political Science, and Sociology met with the backlash from the students community. Ambedkar Students Association(ASA), a prominent student body of University of Hyderabad submitted a representation to the Vice Chancellor demanding retract the decision and reinstate the old vacancies.
Raising concerns over the same, in its representation, ASA stated that this reduction of the seats at the Master’s level would seriously affect the composition of the departments. “There is no clarity from the academic units and the university administration regarding the seat cuts in these departments. A reduction of 52 seats from the approved intake is a drastic step, and the departments must clarify the reason behind this complicated decision,” demand ASA.
It is argued that the seat cut in the said departments is due to the implementation of National education policy(NEP). It is sceptical as to why only specific departments have gone ahead with the seat cut while none of the other master’s courses have reduced their seats, questioning the student organisation in its representation..
Critical of NEP
ASA criticised the implementation of NEP and said, “ The implementation of NEP would result in grave academic disparities.The argument of the academic units that the MA course would be tough for students from state universities and institutions only restates our reasoning on NEP. Unfortunately, the university administration and the departments are reducing the number of PG seats instead of resisting this draconian educational policy”.
Ambedkar Students Association stated that History, Sociology, and Political Science are some of the reputed departments of our university. These departments are also highly regarded for their academic achievements. Hence the ASA demands that the seat reduction for masters courses in the History, Sociology and Political Science departments are immediately taken back and the old vacancies are restored.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
