Osmania University staff push for CPS coverage for all permanent employees
The march began at the iconic Arts College and concluded at the Administrative Building, ahead of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s scheduled visit on December 10.
By Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: Faculty members of Osmania University (OU) staged a rally on campus on Monday, urging the Telangana State government to implement the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for all eligible permanent employees.
The march began at the iconic Arts College and concluded at the Administrative Building, ahead of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s scheduled visit on December 10.
Issue affecting staff appointed after 2004
The rally was organised to highlight what faculty describe as a ‘long-pending and unresolved concern’ affecting teaching and non-teaching staff appointed after 2004.
This group is currently excluded from both the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and the CPS, leaving them without structured retirement security.
In a collective message, the faculty said the absence of pension coverage has created an ‘anomaly’ among state universities, noting that OU remains the only state university in Telangana that has not extended CPS benefits to eligible staff.
Faculty acknowledge institutional progress
Before the demonstration, OU faculty released a joint statement recognising the progress made during Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kumar Molugaram’s first year in office.
The statement noted improvements in the university’s NIRF 2025 National Rankings, the securing of over Rs 75 crore in extramural research grants and the development of an indigenous semiconductor chip.
Faculty also underlined the introduction of updated academic programmes, including the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme and new courses in AI and Data Science.
Administrative steps such as the implementation of the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) were also acknowledged.
Faculty leaders said these achievements reflect ‘accountability, transparency, and welfare-driven decision-making,’ but emphasised that the pension issue must now take priority.
Delay in implementing CPS and OPS is creating an uncertain future
Senior professors who spoke during the demonstration expressed unease over the continuation of pension uncertainty.
Prof. G Malleshem, Prof. Venkata Lakshmi, Prof. Srinivas, Prof. Kavitha Devi, Dr Konda Nageshwar Rao, Prof. B Lavanya, Prof. Ch Kaseem, and Prof. P Chandrashekhar jointly conveyed their ‘anguish over the uncertain future’ created by the delay in implementing CPS and OPS.
Prof. G Naresh Reddy said he remains hopeful the current government will resolve the matter, adding that he and many colleagues have ‘carried this concern for several years.’
Admin assures resolution
Prof. S Jithendra Kumar Naik, OSD to the Vice-Chancellor, expressed solidarity with the faculty and assured them that the administration 'will work earnestly for a swift resolution.’
During the rally, faculty members urged Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kumar Molugaram to take their representation directly to the Chief Minister’s Office.
They appealed to the State government to intervene immediately and instruct the education department to move forward on the issue.
Need for long-term financial security
The demonstration closed with faculty reiterating that a timely decision would secure the future of OU’s permanent staff and bring the university in line with other institutions in Telangana.
They said an expedited resolution is essential for ensuring ‘equitable treatment and long-term financial security’ for employees who have contributed to the university’s growth.
