Hyderabad University may appoint ombudsman, anti-discrimination officer

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Central University (HCU) would discuss appointing ombudsman and anti-discrimination officer besides constitution of an equal opportunity cell at its 76th academic council meeting tomorrow.

The varsity was hit by protests over suicide by a Dalit research student Rohith Vemula earlier this year, and recent agitation against resumption of duty by vice-chancellor Appa Rao Podile.

The meeting comes on the heels of the high ranking the University achieved in the list announced by the government.

"In particular, it is rated the best in meeting the requirement of social justice," the vice chancellor said in a statement today.

"While we are proud of this ranking, we are acutely aware of the immense responsibilities and challenges that are ahead of us in making this institution more accessible, inclusive, and equitable for all sections of society. In this spirit, the AC meeting will discuss, among others, the setting up of an ombudsman, the constitution of an equal opportunity cell, and appointment of an anti-discrimination officer in line with UGC regulations of 2012," he said.