Osmania University teachers accuse VC of harassment, misuse of authority
HYDERABAD: The Osmania University Teachers’ Association (OUTA) has accused Osmania University Vice Chancellor Kumar Molugaram of harassment, intimidation and misuse of authority, and has demanded an independent enquiry and immediate disciplinary action.
In a letter addressed to University Chancellor and Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, OUTA president Prof B Manohar and general secretary Prof B Surender Reddy alleged that faculty members were being threatened with “dire consequences” for not acting in line with what they described as the vice chancellor’s unilateral dictates.
The association alleged that eligible faculty members were denied promotions under the Career Advancement Scheme despite fulfilling criteria prescribed under University Grants Commission regulations, government orders and university statutes.
“Faculty members who questioned these illegal denials, pointed out procedural violations or expressed dissent in statutory bodies such as interview or selection boards have been subjected to retaliatory actions,” the letter said, citing notices, constitution of committees with alleged predetermined intent, disciplinary proceedings and suspensions.
Polls allegedly stalled with mala fide intent
Raising the issue of faculty elections, OUTA alleged that the vice chancellor had kept the polls on hold instead of facilitating their conduct. It further claimed that administrative actions were taken to prevent certain faculty members from contesting the elections.
The teachers’ body demanded that an independent and impartial enquiry be ordered into the alleged harassment, misuse of power, denial of Career Advancement Scheme promotions and obstruction of faculty elections. It also sought immediate protection for faculty members from any further retaliatory or vindictive action.
