Private professional colleges in Telangana are gearing up for a major showdown with the state government over unpaid fee reimbursements. Starting September 15, engineering, pharmacy, nursing, MBA, MCA, and B.Ed colleges could shut down indefinitely if the government doesn’t release the pending dues.
The Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Education (FATHI) dropped this bombshell on Friday by submitting a formal notice to Telangana Council of Higher Education Chairman Prof. V. Balakista Reddy. They’re demanding the release of a whopping Rs 10,000 crore in fee reimbursement arrears. FATHI leaders say if the government clears at least Rs 1,200 crore for already approved tokens by September 30, they might back off from the closure.
FATHI Chairman N. Ramesh explained the tough spot: “These massive arrears mean college managements can’t keep things running. Faculty and staff salaries have gone unpaid for months now.” It’s a crisis hitting everyone hard, from teachers to students.
To drive the point home, the federation plans to mark September 15 – Engineers’ Day, honoring the legendary Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya – as a “black day” of protest. Degree and postgraduate colleges will join in with a full bandh on September 16, all pushing for quick action on the Telangana fee reimbursement arrears.
FATHI isn’t holding back on criticism. They slammed the government for ignoring the core issue and instead calling a meeting with university vice-chancellors to roll out a facial recognition attendance system tied to the fee scheme. “Why focus on tech when the money isn’t flowing?” they asked.
Students are caught in the crossfire too. Many colleges are withholding certificates until the government pays up, leaving graduates in limbo. Protests have already erupted at some spots, with students demanding their originals back.
In a fresh twist, the Telangana High Court stepped in recently, ordering Malla Reddy Engineering College in Maisammaguda to hand over a student’s original certificates without demanding tuition fee payments first. This ruling highlights the growing frustration over Telangana college fee delays.
As the deadline looms, eyes are on the government. Will they release the funds and avert a statewide education shutdown? Stay tuned for updates on this Telangana education crisis.
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