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Telangana College Strike: 70,000 Teachers Rally as Fee Crisis Deepens

Private professional colleges in Telangana are continuing their indefinite strike over unpaid fee reimbursements. The government has formed a committee to study the financial mobilization for the scheme, but colleges want faster action. FATHI president Ramesh Babu demands the committee submit its report within one month instead of three. The strike involves 2,000 colleges and could escalate to massive student protests if demands aren't met.

Key Points: Telangana Private Colleges Continue Strike Over Fee Dues

  • Private colleges demand immediate release of 50% fee reimbursement dues totaling Rs 10,000 crore
  • Government formed committee to study sustainable fee reimbursement through Trust Bank
  • FATHI plans massive protest with 10 lakh students if demands unmet
  • 70,000 teachers to gather at Hyderabad's LB Stadium on November 8
2 min read

Private colleges in Telangana to continue strike over fee reimbursement

Private colleges in Telangana continue indefinite strike demanding Rs 10,000 crore fee reimbursement, with 70,000 teachers planning massive protest.

"We welcome the committee but it should submit the report in one month, not three - Ramesh Babu, FATHI President"

Hyderabad, Nov 5

The managements of private professional colleges in Telangana on Wednesday made it clear that their indefinite strike will continue until the government meets their demand.

Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI) president Ramesh Babu said the colleges were continuing their strike for three days.

He revealed at a press conference that the government has invited them for talks, but ruled out withdrawing the strike until their demand is met.

FATHI made its stand clear a day after the government constituted a committee for the mobilisation of finances for the fee-reimbursement scheme.

The government announced that the committee comprising officials and representatives from the FATHI will study a sustainable free reimbursement scheme through the Trust Bank.

While welcoming the committee, Ramesh Babu said it should be asked to submit the report in one month and not three months as announced.

He said they were demanding that the government release 50 per cent of the fee reimbursement dues.

Alleging that the vigilance raids on colleges reflect a dictatorial attitude, he said a meeting of the faculty of the colleges will be held at LB Stadium in Hyderabad on November 8. About 70,000 teachers will attend the meeting.

Ramesh Babu warned that if their demand was not met, they would stage a massive protest with 10 lakh students.

Accusing Education Commissioner Devasena of harassing the college managements, FATHI demanded her immediate transfer.

The total arrears under the fee reimbursement scheme are to the tune of Rs 10,000 crore. Its leaders said that during the talks held in September, the government had promised to release Rs 1,200 crore in dues before Diwali, but only Rs 300 crore has been disbursed so far.

On a call given by FATHI, around 2,000 professional colleges, including engineering, pharmacy, MBA, MCA, B.Ed and nursing institutions, launched an indefinite shutdown on Monday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs 10,000 crore arrears is huge! No wonder colleges are struggling. The government promised Rs 1,200 crore before Diwali but released only Rs 300 crore. How can colleges pay salaries and maintain infrastructure? The strike is justified.
D
David E
While I understand the colleges' financial pressure, involving 10 lakh students in protests seems excessive. Education should not be held hostage. Both sides need to find middle ground without disrupting academic schedules.
S
Shreya B
The fee reimbursement scheme has helped so many poor students get quality education. If colleges shut down permanently, it will be a huge loss for Telangana's education system. Government should prioritize this issue. 🙏
A
Arjun K
Both parties are at fault here. Colleges shouldn't hold students' education hostage, and government shouldn't make empty promises. The 3-month committee timeline is too long - Ramesh Babu is right about needing 1-month deadline.
K
Kavya N
My daughter is in a pharmacy college affected by this strike. We pay full fees, but still her classes are stopped. This is unfair to all students, regardless of whether they're under reimbursement scheme or not. 😠

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