SFI activists storm Ministers’ quarters over fee reimbursement dues in Hyderabad

Students Federation of India activists staged a protest at the ministers’ quarters in Hyderabad over Rs 8,158 crore pending fee reimbursement dues and other education issues. They demanded an Education Minister, faculty recruitment, infrastructure upgrades, and welfare measures for students

Hyderabad: The Ministers’ quarters here on Tuesday witnessed protests over the pending students’ fee reimbursement arrears, absence of an Education Minister, and other issues in the State’s education sector.

Activists of the Students Federation of India (SFI), who called for the protest, tried to barge into the Ministers’ quarters in Banjara Hills and even scaled the gates. However, their attempt was foiled by the police, who detained around 60 student activists.

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The student body demanded that the State government immediately clear Rs 8,158 crore in fee reimbursement dues pending for long. It also urged the government to ensure that colleges issue certificates irrespective of dues so that students’ academics are not disturbed.

SFI Telangana secretary T Naagaraju demanded that the State government appoint an Education Minister and fill vacant posts of teachers, lecturers, and university faculty. Pointing to poor infrastructure, he also sought the construction of permanent buildings for welfare residential schools.

Other demands included the release of mess and cosmetic charges for hostel students, funds for the Best Available Scheme, distribution of textbooks and sanitary napkins for KGBV students, and introduction of mid-day meals in government junior colleges on the lines of government schools.