Telangana Congress government orders vigilance probe into private professional colleges

The private professional colleges have been demanding the government release Rs.900 crore fee dues by November 1 and announced institutions closure from November 3, if dues are not disbursed.

Hyderabad: With private professional colleges upping the ante against the Congress government, announcing institutions shut down from November 3, over fee reimbursement arrears, the government ordered a vigilance probe into colleges.

The government, according to a recent memo, took this decision based on the information it received that several private educational institutions allegedly involved in irregularities and misutilisation of funds released under the Reimbursement of Tuition Fee (RTF) and Maintenance Fee (MTF) schemes.

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The government asked the vigilance department to inquire whether or not colleges, including engineering, pharmacy and BEd, are genuinely functioning as approved. The department has also been directed to probe into whether or not students availing scholarships are eligible and their admission process.

As per the memo issued by the SC Development department, the probe will look into requirement of teaching and non-teaching staff, classrooms, furniture, labs and other important infrastructure/ facilities, as per norms.

Further, the department has been tasked to inquire into whether or not students given reimbursement have minimum attendance for the academics and also proper academic performance.

The government directed the department to take up inspections immediately and submit a report, along with specific recommendations.

The Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI) comprising private professional colleges have been demanding the government release Rs.900 crore fee dues by November 1.

According to colleges, the government promised to release Rs. 1,200 crore fee dues before Dasara and Diwali but only Rs.300 crore had been disbursed, so far.

In addition, the private colleges have been demanding the government announce a time-bound roadmap for clearing pending Rs.9,000 crore dues for the academic year up to 2024-25, ensuring full payment by June 2026. The management also demanded the current academic year dues be released on time.