Archive · 3 Aug 2026
JNTUH Registrar Appointment Sparks Faculty Protest
The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad had a new Registrar, Dr. A Jaya Laxmi, who is the first woman to hold the job.
Some teachers and workers were upset because they think the state Education Secretary tried to make the old Registrar, Dr. K Venkateswara Rao, stay in charge.
They believe the university should decide its own leaders.
The teachers held a big meeting to show they do not want outside people to decide who runs the school.
The situation also made some students upset and a community group warned that the new Registrar could face trouble if she is removed.
The whole thing shows a fight between the university staff and the state government about who gets to pick the university’s leaders.
Faculty and staff protest against alleged interference by Telangana Education Secretary in appointing JNTUH Registrar.
Dr. A Jaya Laxmi, first woman Registrar, began her term on June 12, 2026, replacing Dr. K Venkateswara Rao.
Dr. Rao claims he was denied an extension and has not performed duties for 30 days.
Faculty argue that the state government should not dictate internal university appointments, citing autonomy.
The controversy has drawn support from the BC Association and sparked student unrest.
- Who
- Faculty and staff of JNTUH, Dr. A Jaya Laxmi, Dr. K Venkateswara Rao, Telangana Education Secretary Dr. Yogita Rana
- What
- Protest over the appointment of the university Registrar
- When
- June 12, 2026 (appointment) and a Friday evening meeting (date not specified)
- Where
- Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Why
- Alleged interference by the Education Secretary in the university’s internal appointments
- University
- Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad
- New Registrar
- Dr. A Jaya Laxmi
- Former Registrar
- Dr. K Venkateswara Rao
- Education Secretary
- Dr. Yogita Rana
- Appointment Date
- June 12, 2026