Hyderabad: A large protest was held near Indira Park Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad by the Telangana Universities Contract Assistant Professors’ Joint Action Committee (JAC). The contract assistant professors from 12 universities across the state gathered to demand that their jobs be made permanent.
Many women professors were part of the protest, which took place on Wednesday. Several important leaders attended and spoke in support of the protestors. These included Professor Haragopal, Rajya Sabha MP R. Krishnaiah, CPI Telangana Secretary Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, BRS Leader Madhu Sudhanachari, BJP MLC Anji Reddy, BJP General Secretary Kasam Venkateswarlu, and leaders from various welfare associations and political parties.
Professor Haragopal said the contract system has existed since 1990 and has caused great hardship. He asked the central and state governments to work together and make all contract professors permanent through a one-time settlement. He also mentioned a Supreme Court ruling that said it is unfair to pay people differently for doing the same work.
R. Krishnaiah, National President of the BC Association, said he would pressure the state government to take quick action. He added that he was ready to raise the issue in Parliament, if needed, to ensure justice for the professors.
Dr. Madhusudana Chari, former Chairman of the Legislative Council, supported the protestors and promised to stand by them until their demands are met. CPI leader Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao criticized past governments for ignoring contract teachers and encouraged professors to stay united to strengthen their movement.
Professor Kasim from Osmania University also spoke at the event. He urged teachers to stay strong and united while pushing for job regularization. Jajula Srinivas Goud, President of the BC Welfare Association, said the salaries for contract teachers are too low for them to manage household expenses. He suggested the government hold an all-party meeting to address their problems.
Congress spokesperson Harshavardhan Reddy promised to bring the issue to the attention of the Chief Minister. Similarly, BJP leader Kasam Venkateswarlu said the state government should act quickly and that he would speak to the central government about any University Grants Commission (UGC) concerns.
Several JAC leaders, including Dr Dharmateja, Dr Parasuram, Dr Vijayender Reddy, and many others, were also present and actively participated in the protest.
