SVIT Engineering College Shuts Down Amid Management Crisis and Student Protests: Here’s What Happened

SVIT, an engineering college under Mahbub College Society, to remain closed on June 10 amid a management dispute delaying JNTUH affiliation. Society members meet Telangana Governor seeking intervention, students abstain from classes after an FIR was filed against staff.

Hyderabad: In a surprising turn of events, the Swami Vivekananda Institute of Technology (SVIT) in Secunderabad has announced a shutdown on June 10, stemming from a management dispute that has serious ramifications for the college’s affiliation with Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (JNTUH). With 1,800 students potentially facing academic uncertainty, the implications of this decision resonate beyond the college campus.

The Ongoing Management Dispute

The Mahbub College Society, which has operated for 160 years, is currently embroiled in a bitter management dispute that has halted the renewal process for JNTUH affiliation for the academic year 2025-26. Such affiliations are critical for engineering colleges as they ensure compliance with educational standards and allow students to earn recognized degrees. Without this renewal, the future of SVIT students hangs in the balance.

Senior management members, led by Society President PL Srinivas, gathered on Monday to discuss the matter and sought intervention from the Telangana Governor, Jishnu Dev Varma. They emphasized the urgency of the situation and requested a meeting with JNTUH’s Fact-Finding Committee (FFC) to expedite the affiliation process.

Students Take a Stand

In solidarity with their faculty and in response to the management turmoil, students of SVIT have abstained from attending classes on June 9 and 10. This move reflects their protest against the management’s failure to address the ongoing issues and the subsequent FIR filed against several staff members.

The situation has led to increased anxiety and frustration among students and their families, with many questioning what this means for their education and future job prospects. Some students have expressed concern over the decision to close the college, citing that missing classes could further jeopardize their academic performance.

Intervention from Authorities

During their meeting with the Governor, Mahbub College Society officials presented a memorandum detailing their grievances and requests. They pleaded for immediate intervention to ease the situation so that the JNTUH FFC can visit SVIT and conduct an assessment necessary for renewing the college’s affiliation.

One of the controversial aspects leading to this standoff is the FIR lodged against “innocent employees” of SVIT. The Society claims that these legal actions are unwarranted and have created an atmosphere of distrust within the institution. They argue that such actions could hinder the institution’s ability to function effectively and serve its students.

What Lies Ahead for SVIT and Its Students?

The outcome of this dispute holds significant implications for the future of SVIT and its 1,800 students. Here’s what could happen next:

• Immediate Discussions with JNTUH: The Mahbub College Society must secure a meeting with JNTUH’s Fact-Finding Committee to restore its affiliation.
• Potential Resolutions: If the governance issues can be resolved, students may return to classes shortly, ensuring they remain on track for their degrees.
• Legal Proceedings: The ongoing FIR complicates matters, and how this unfolds may impact the college’s operations and reputation.

The Mahbub College Society has vowed to pursue all avenues to protect the interests of their students and faculty. In the meantime, students and parents remain in a state of uncertainty, anxiously awaiting developments in this tense situation. The closure of SVIT highlights not only the fragility of educational institutions amidst management disputes but also the pressing need for all parties to prioritize the educational well-being of students in times of crisis.

As this situation continues to evolve, it will be imperative for stakeholders, including the government, educational authorities, and college administration, to collaborate toward a resolution that safeguards the future of SVIT and serves as a precedent for addressing similar disputes proactively. In an age where education plays a pivotal role in shaping careers and lives, ensuring stability in these institutions is non-negotiable.