Hyderabad: A major controversy has erupted at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (JNTUH) over the recent change of Registrar, triggering an unprecedented show of unity among teaching and non-teaching staff. At an emergency meeting held in the university's Golden Jubilee Hall on Thursday, employees from various departments and affiliated colleges voiced strong opposition to what they described as government interference in the Vice Chancellor's authority to appoint university officials.

The staff unanimously resolved to support the Vice Chancellor and urged the government to uphold university autonomy by allowing the Vice Chancellor to exercise the statutory power to appoint key administrative officers, including the Registrar, without external interference.

Employees also welcomed the appointment of the university's first-ever woman Registrar from the Backward Classes community in JNTUH's 54-year history, noting that she also represents the Palamuru region.

They criticised attempts to remove her within 45 days of assuming office, calling such a move unfair and contrary to established procedures.

The staff maintained that the appointment was made strictly on the basis of seniority, qualifications and experience. They appealed to the government to allow the Registrar to complete her tenure and warned that they would submit mass resignations from all administrative posts if their concerns are ignored, reaffirming their support for the Vice Chancellor and the university's autonomy.