Out of Rs 400 crore, Osmania University to use just Rs 30 crore on fete

HYDERABAD: Osmania University is to seek Rs 400 crore from the state government in funds towards their centenary celebrations that kick-off on April 26th this year.

Of this amount, Rs 30 crore will go towards the centenary events which include a three-day inaugural programme, an international science fair, cultural and youth festivals, and workshops and seminars which will be conducted over the period of a year.

The rest of the amount is intended to be used for developmental activities both on campus and in constituent colleges such as Nizam College, Koti Women’s College and PG College.

The existing infrastructure in these institutes dates back several decades. Some buildings are dysfunctional and several hostels are dilapidated. Plans are being drawn up to construct a new administrative building, hostels, and academic blocks for Chemistry, Botany and Zoology, equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories. The repair and renovation of nearly a hundred buildings is also on the cards.

Besides these, the varsity has decided to establish a Centre for Telangana Studies, a Skill Upgrade Centre and an Incubation Centre on campus. The varsity is also looking to alumni to pitch in and donate generously.

However alumni await the government’s response. With no word from officials on the release of funds, the alumni are yet to step up, a senior professor informed. “It is only three months until the inauguration, and work to give the institute a makeover has not yet begun.

So it is understandable that alumni have not committed funds. However, we hope to raise a good amount over the next year, and to see the ex-students do their bit,” a former student said.