Students of Osmania University’s Dr B.R. Ambedkar (Narmada) Hostel went on a hunger strike on Sunday demanding waiver of mess dues pending in all Telangana varsities.
The Telangana Rashtra Samiti had earlier promised to waive the fee starting 2009 as a support for students who participated in the statehood agitation.
OU had earlier closed down its hostel messes citing lack of funds.
Mess dues now would come up to Rs. 10 crore, of which OU alone had incurred Rs. 7 crore, protesting students said.
Students said that while the government had promised to support student leaders and those who participated in Telangana agitation, it has so far failed to keep its promise.
Student leaders of Progressive Democratic Students Union (PDSU), who are in support of the protest, said that those coming from poor socio-economic backgrounds to State varsities will need financial aid and government ought to give them support.
“We need fellowships similar to the ones provided by central universities. The State government should also appoint a V-C in OU immediately as there is no fully functional administrative body to support students at present,” said Stalin, a PDSU student leader.
