MANUU students protest Congress govt move to ‘reclaim’ 50 acres of university land

Hyderabad: Students of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) launched a fierce protest against the Telangana government following a show-cause notice issued to ‘reclaim’ 50 acres of university land.

The move, initiated by the Ranga Reddy District Administration, has sparked outrage among the student community and drawn sharp criticism from opposition political parties.

Govt handed over 200 acres to MANUU in 1998

The controversy is about a prime parcel of land in Manikonda Jagir Village (Survey Nos. 211 and 212), in the Gandipet Mandal of Ranga Reddy District.

In 1998, the then-government handed over advance possession of 200 acres to MANUU for establishing the Central University.

Govt sends notice to MANUU over not utilising allotted land

However, a recent government audit reported that while 150 acres have been developed with academic and residential structures, 50 acres remain vacant.

On the orders of the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA) dated April 4, 2025, the Ranga Reddy District Collector issued a show-cause notice to the MANUU Registrar. The state argues the land should be resumed into government custody due to ‘non-utilisation’ and ‘violation of alienation conditions’ to be used for other public services.

The land is not surplus, it is for university’s expansion: Students

MANUU student leaders have called the move a ‘direct attack’ on the future of students from marginalised and backward communities.

Umar Faruq, former MANUU Students’ Union President (2019), stated that the university is currently suffering from a severe infrastructure deficit.

“We have a shortage of hostels, and departments are forced to run multiple courses in single buildings. This land is not ‘surplus’; it is the only space we have for the university’s future expansion,” he said.

Afreen Begum, a PhD scholar, emphasised the impact on female students, noting that the university currently only has two girls’ hostels—a number she described as ‘grossly inadequate.’

“This move is not just about grabbing land—it is about snatching the educational rights of students who come here from the most remote regions of India, including tribal areas of Jammu & Kashmir,” added student leader Muqadas.

Opposition reminds Congress of UoH issue

The issue has quickly escalated into a political row.

BRS Working President KT Rama Rao and AIMIM Floor Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi have slammed the Congress-led government, alleging ‘real estate greed’ and drawing parallels to a similar land dispute recently seen at the University of Hyderabad (UoH).

Routine audit, says Telangana govt

The Telangana government claims it is a routine audit to ensure that the land is used for its intended purpose.

New infra in progress, says admin

The MANUU administration has officially responded to the collector, stating that plans for new academic blocks and hostels are already in active process and awaiting clearance from the Ministry of Education and CPWD.