AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi has raised his voice in the Assembly against the notice issued by the Telangana government to return the vacant lands of universities. This time his target was on the government’s scheme in which it is trying to acquire the vacant land of educational institutions. Owaisi warned the government that such interference in the field of education could prove dangerous for the future of the state.
Recently, the Telangana government has issued notices to take back the excess or unused land of various institutions located in the Gachibowli area. Waving the documents in the House, Owaisi said that these included prestigious institutions like Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) and Indian School of Business (ISB). While addressing the House, Owaisi said that it is necessary for institutions to have land for future expansion plans. He questioned the government, ‘If you take back the land of all educational institutions, how will these universities and colleges expand in future?’
Urdu University issue
Owaisi specifically raised the issue of the Urdu University land, which is an important part of Hyderabad’s cultural and educational heritage. He said that the government has also served notice to an institution like ISB, which can become an obstacle in the way of the state emerging as a global educational centre.
War of education vs acquisition
Experts believe that land prices in prime locations like Gachibowli are skyrocketing, which may put pressure on the government to bring these lands into commercial use. However, Owaisi argues that education is paramount and the land allotted for it should not be used for any other purpose. Other opposition leaders have also joined Owaisi’s voice and urged the government to reconsider its plan.
