Harish Rao leads call for fee reimbursement agitation
The issue of pending fee reimbursement arrears has once again come to the forefront in Telangana. Former minister and BRS leader Harish Rao launched a scathing attack on the government, accusing it of remaining in a “deep slumber” for two years without releasing funds. With private educational institutions declaring an indefinite shutdown from September 15–16, the future of students has become uncertain.
Analyzing the issue from all angles makes the government’s negligence, political accusations, and student hardships very evident. At his Hyderabad residence, Harish Rao unveiled a PDSU poster titled “On the Path of Struggle for Fee Reimbursement” and lambasted the Congress government. He lashed out, saying, “Not clearing dues for two years is a matter of shame.”
He stated that because of the Congress government’s negligence, the future of 13 lakh students has been jeopardized. Colleges offering degree, PG, engineering, and pharmacy courses are shutting down, and semester exams are being postponed, he said. He also criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who is himself the Education Minister, for ignoring the crisis.
Harish Rao further targeted government expenditure: “The CM claims there’s no money to pay employees’ DAs, but how are tenders worth ₹20,000 crore for ‘Future City’ and ₹1.5 lakh crore for Musi Beautification being called? Is collecting commissions the only goal?” He reminded that during the nine-and-a-half years of BRS rule, ₹20,000 crore had been disbursed without interruption even during demonetization and the pandemic. Now, with dues piling up, colleges face disconnection of electricity and water supply, and students are being denied certificates, he alleged.
Protest by private colleges
Private degree, PG, and engineering college managements have been pleading for two years for dues to be cleared. Recently, representatives of the Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions reiterated this demand. Reports suggest that arrears range anywhere between ₹1,800 crore and ₹10,000 crore. With the indefinite strike starting September 15, nearly half of junior and degree colleges have shut down, sparking concern. Managements allege students are being forced to run around courts for relief, while SC, ST, BC, and minority students are the worst affected. The SFI Telangana Committee has extended support to the shutdown, blaming the government’s negligence for the crisis.
Government’s installment promise
The Congress government had promised in its election manifesto to release funds through a green channel. In July, Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka assured that arrears would be cleared in installments. Officials are citing “administrative delays” as the reason. Reports indicate that CM Revanth Reddy is planning to grade colleges before releasing funds. However, the Finance Minister’s dismissive remark “Don’t create a ruckus” has drawn criticism. Despite demands from FATHI representatives in June, the only proposal made so far is to clear dues in four phases starting from 2025–26.
Criticism from BJP and BRS
The issue has become a heated political flashpoint. The BRS, raising it in the Assembly, accused the government of reneging on its word. They allege that due to political vendetta against KCR, gurukuls (residential schools) are being weakened. Critics also point out that conditions have worsened since the Congress came to power.
The fee reimbursement scheme in Telangana is vital for SC, ST, and BC students. With arrears mounting, colleges are struggling to function. According to the UDISE report, government schools have lost 47,000 students citing this, Harish Rao warned that the education system is sinking deeper into crisis. If immediate action is not taken, more protests and political confrontations are inevitable. The BRS has already threatened another major agitation. Experts urge that the issue must be resolved through proper coordination between the state and the Centre.