Telangana Panel Engages Student Activists on Movement Recognition and Welfare

Hyderabad: A state-level committee tasked with recognising participants in the Telangana statehood movement held discussions with student activists from Kakatiya University to explore avenues for identifying movement participants and ensuring welfare support reaches their families.

The consultation was held at Amaraveerula Jyothi, located across from the Telangana Secretariat. Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar presided over the gathering, which included committee members MLC Prof. M. Kodandaram, Government Whip Addanki Dayakar, former MLC S. Ramulu Naik, and Mothe Shobhan Reddy. The panel also heard from former student activists, movement participants, and relatives of those who lost their lives during the struggle.

Student leaders articulated their expectations beyond mere credential issuance. They pressed the committee to secure employment prospects, access to advanced education, adequate medical facilities, residential assistance, pension schemes, and financial protection for families of movement participants.

During the engagement, activists also emphasised the need for enduring social security frameworks and formal recognition of all who contributed to the Telangana statehood campaign.

Responding to the demands, Ponnam Prabhakar pledged that the committee would give serious consideration to each proposal. He stated that the panel intends to incorporate appropriate suggestions into its final report, which will be submitted to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

The minister highlighted that students from both Kakatiya University and Osmania University had made significant historical contributions to the Telangana movement. He affirmed the government's commitment to offering movement participants and their families not just recognition, but also sustained social and economic assistance.

The committee had earlier met with Osmania University student leaders on Monday. Upcoming consultations are scheduled with student representatives from Palamuru, Telangana, Satavahana, Mahatma Gandhi, and additional universities across the state.