OU condemns false claims on CAS promotions, warns against actions by expired OUTA panel
The administration explicitly clarified that meeting minimum eligibility criteria is not a guarantee of promotion
By - Newsmeter Network
Osmania University (File Photo)
Hyderabad: Osmania University (OU) released an official statement to address and clarify the misinformation being circulated regarding the recently concluded Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions and the unauthorised activities of some individuals claiming to represent the Osmania University Teachers Association (OUTA).
The University reaffirms the integrity of the CAS process finalised on September 29.
“This process was meticulously transparent, video-recorded and successful, resulting in significant advancements across 41 departments, including the elevation of 8 Senior Professors, 33 Professors, and 54 Associate Professors,” the university said in a statement.
As stated by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kumar Molugaram, promotion demands greater responsibility, commitment to purpose-driven research, and achieving global standards by publishing in high-impact (Q1-Q3) journals.
Upholding standards vs. automatic promotion
The administration explicitly clarified that meeting minimum eligibility criteria is not a guarantee of promotion.
Similar to Central Universities, NITs and State Universities of national repute, OU said that its policy champions merit and talent, ensuring that senior academic positions are earned through sustained quality contributions and concrete evidence of research excellence.
The administration delayed, but did not deny, promotions for those who did not meet the required qualitative threshold; it said that it encourages them to reapply in the next CAS cycle.
Quoting past practices as a precedent for treating the interview process as a mere formality is not justified and compromises the quality of higher education, the university said.
Witness testimony validates transparency and integrity
Adding significant weight to the university’s stand on the integrity of the process, key members who witnessed the proceedings have vouched for the fairness of the CAS interviews.
Prof S Jithendra Kumar Naik, OSD to Vice-Chancellor and Dean, Faculty of Sciences, stated, “As a representative of the ST Community and as Dean, Faculty of Sciences, I personally witnessed the entire CAS process. I can unequivocally vouch that every step, from evaluation to the final interviews, was conducted with absolute transparency and was entirely unbiased, upholding the highest principles of meritocracy.”
Similarly, Prof. B Lavanya, Dean, Development and UGC Affairs and Women representative for the recently held CAS interviews, said, “The comprehensive process was executed with meticulous attention to detail and utmost transparency. The integrity of the selection, aimed at promoting only the most deserving faculty, remains unimpeachable.”
Misconduct by expired OUTA condemned
A significant element fuelling this controversy is the conduct of the former OUTA President and a few disgruntled faculty members. The term of the recognised OUTA Executive Committee officially expired in September 2024, and no valid panel operates at OU today.
The University strongly condemns the following unauthorised actions:
Bypassing Authority: Faculty members whose promotion was delayed did not approach the University authorities. Instead, they immediately resorted to approaching Governor’s Office, Ministers and social media.
Official Misuse: The former President is submitting unilateral representations, entirely lacking the approval of the former Executive Committee or General Body, and is misusing the expired OUTA letterhead—an act that constitutes official misuse of identity.
Defamatory Campaign: This premature escalation—a clear case of putting the cart before the horse—has involved organising rallies, issuing false media reports and engaging in personal attacks against the present administration, causing irreparable damage to the University’s public image and insulting official channels of communication.
The University administration said it remains committed to strengthening its governance system through merit, talent, and transparency.
No recognition of representations from expired OUTA
The Registrar, Prof. G Naresh Reddy, stated, “The University will not tolerate any actions detrimental to OU’s reputation.”
The University reiterates that it gives no official recognition, validity or authenticity to representations received in the name of the expired OUTA. The administration will pursue disciplinary and legal action according to University regulations and relevant laws against any individual misusing the OUTA identity or spreading misinformation, said Registrar of Osmania University.
