Ex-Minister Srinivas demands immediate release of students’ pending scholarships

Former minister Srinivas Goud has called on the Telangana government to immediately release pending scholarships worth ₹10,000 crore for BC, SC, ST, EBC, and minority students. The demand follows a 250-kilometer “Padayatra” (foot march) from Khammam to Hyderabad, led by Central University student leader Rajesh Datta, which concluded on Monday.

During an event held at Himayatnagar to mark the end of the march, Srinivas Goud praised Rajesh Datta for spearheading the initiative.

Speaking at the event, Srinivas Goud criticized the state government for neglecting students’ futures while spending heavily on international summits, beauty contests, and football matches. He pointed out that thousands of students are still awaiting scholarship and fee reimbursement payments.

Srinivas Goud urged the government to temporarily withhold payments to major contractors if necessary and prioritize clearing students’ pending dues. He highlighted that many students are struggling financially and receiving notices from colleges due to unpaid fees. The march, he said, aimed to bring attention to the issues faced by students from all social communities.

He warned that delayed scholarship payments are forcing numerous higher-education students to consider dropping out.

The event also saw participation from student leaders of the BC community, including Vemula Ramakrishna, as well as representatives from SC, ST, and other student organizations. Organizers said a large number of students and youth supported the march.