University of Hyderabad issues new diktats on students’ protests

The University has prohibited demonstrations and gatherings in a radius of 200 meters around its administration building.
University of Hyderabad (Photo: PTI/File)
University of Hyderabad (Photo: PTI/File)

HYDERABAD: A little over a year after massive protests erupted on the University of Hyderabad campus following the suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula, the varsity administration tightening its grip, issued a new circular on Thursday with several conditions, including prohibition of demonstrations and gatherings within  a radius of 200 meters around its administration building - the seat of VC Prof P Appa Rao. 

The order says protests should not result in blockade of any road or entry to any of the administrative, academic or residential premises on the campus. A similar circular was issued last July prohibiting gathering of students in open spaces and near academic buildings.

Shutting down the administration building and not allowing any operations has become a regular practice by the university students during protests. It may be recalled that the university administration had to work from a makeshift location for days together following Rohith Vemula’s suicide. 

The administration also now made it clear that protests and gatherings will not be allowed near academic buildings,  including lecture hall complexes and also near like hostels, residential quarters and shopping complex,  ‘Velivada’  which was the hotbed of protests. 

Protests would now be allowed only at Gurbaksh Singh Maidan, an open ground far away from the admin block, or at the “open dais” near women’s hostel. University has prohibited defacing of walls and stated that it would provide boards for pasting posters or notices. 

Only five students allowed at a time
The circular also said that anyone who wants to meet  administration officials, will be allowed to meet them  between 2 pm and 5 pm only on Fridays.

Academic grievances should be routed through head of departments and deans whereas student grievances should be routed through chief warden or dean of students’ welfare. It also said that if a student has to meet the official, he has to seek prior appointment and not more than five people will be allowed to meet an official.

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