Hyderabad: Student leaders at the University of Hyderabad (HCU) launched a protest on Wednesday, condemning what they described as arbitrary and undemocratic actions by the university administration. The demonstration was sparked by the dissolution of student unions and the sudden formation of a new election commission without prior consultation.
The students marched toward the administrative offices to meet Vice-Chancellor Prof. B.J. Rao and submit their objections. However, anticipating unrest, the university administration locked all campus entry points, preventing the protesting students from entering. Security staff were deployed at the gates, where students began gathering in groups, chanting slogans and holding placards.
Students accuse HCU of bypassing due process
Union leaders claimed that the administration failed to follow mandatory procedures, including the convening of a University General Body Meeting (UGBM), before dismantling the existing student bodies. They described the move as a violation of student rights and a threat to democratic governance on campus.
“The administration did not give any official explanation for dissolving the unions. Blocking campus entry during operational hours only shows their intent to silence student voices,” one student leader said.
The protest, led by members of various student organizations, continued for several hours under tight security. Protesters demanded immediate reinstatement of student unions and an open dialogue with the Vice-Chancellor. They warned that demonstrations would escalate if the administration failed to respond.
Call for transparency and accountability
The protest drew support from former student council members, who called the current situation unprecedented. “This is not just about elections. It’s about preserving democratic spaces in educational institutions,” said a former student union president.
Students also criticized what they saw as a broader trend of centralizing power within university administrations at the cost of student participation and transparency. They urged the administration to hold free and fair student elections with proper representation from all departments and organizations.
As of Wednesday evening, university officials had not issued an official statement on the matter.
