Telangana colleges go on indefinite strike over ₹10,000 crore fee reimbursement delay

Thousands of students across Telangana were left without classes this week as private professional colleges began an indefinite strike over the state government’s delay in clearing fee reimbursement dues.

The protest, led by the Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI), has resulted in the closure of nearly 2,000 institutions, including engineering, pharmacy, MBA, and degree colleges.

Examinations have also been disrupted, with several colleges refusing to conduct semester papers.

FATHI said the strike stems from the government’s failure to release around ₹10,000 crore owed under the Reimbursement of Tuition Fee (RTF) and Maintenance Fee (MTF) schemes meant for students from low-income families.

The immediate cause was the state’s inability to meet its Nov 1 commitment to release ₹900 crore.

College managements said the government had earlier promised ₹1,200 crore before Diwali but disbursed only ₹300 crore.

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad (JNTUH) reported that 52 pharmacy colleges under its jurisdiction joined the boycott, while only nine government-run colleges continued with exams. Attendance remained minimal, with just 12 percent of students appearing.

Despite the disruption, JNTUH authorities have stated that exams would proceed as planned.

FATHI, however, maintains it will continue the strike and boycott until the government releases at least 50% of the pending dues and commits to a schedule for the remainder.

In response, the Telangana government has formed a 15-member committee to find long-term solutions for funding the reimbursement program.

The panel, headed by Special Chief Secretary (Welfare) Sabyasachi Ghosh and co-chaired by Principal Secretary (Finance) Sandeep Kumar Sultania, includes senior officials, educationists such as Professors Kancha Ilaiah and Kodandaram, and three FATHI representatives.

The committee has been asked to develop a ‘Trust Bank’ model to ensure transparent and sustainable fund management and will submit its report within three months.

FATHI leaders said the agitation will continue until the government releases at least ₹5,000 crore immediately.

They have also announced large-scale demonstrations, including a rally at LB Stadium on Nov 8 and a “Long March” to the State Secretariat on Nov 11, which are expected to see participation from students and faculty members statewide.

Student unions have expressed solidarity with the protest, saying delayed reimbursements have led to unpaid staff salaries and prevented students from accessing essential academic documents.