BJP backs striking OU employees, seeks talks with varsity authorities

HYDERABAD Telangana BJP president N. Ramachandar Rao on Wednesday demanded that the State government and Osmania University (OU) authorities immediately hold talks with striking non-teaching employees and address their long-pending demands. Visiting the employees’ protest camp in front of the Osmania University Administrative Building, Mr.

Rao expressed solidarity with the protesting staff, including non-teaching, technical, time-scale and contractual employees. The protesters are seeking implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), regularisation of services, better healthcare benefits and resolution of other service-related issues. Addressing the gathering, Mr.

Rao said it was unfortunate that university employees had been forced to launch an agitation to secure what he described as their legitimate rights. Recalling his association with the university, he said he had completed his post-graduation at Osmania University before entering public life and noted that his father had served and retired from the institution as a professor.