Telangana private colleges may not reopen after Dasara vacation

As the government failed to release Rs.600 crore fee reimbursement dues before Dasara festival, the Federation of Association of Telangana Higher Institutions has called for its emergency executive meeting to deliberate on the crisis and decide the future course of action to safeguard interest of institutions, staff and students

Hyderabad: Disappointed with the Telangana Congress government, which failed to honour its recent assurance of releasing Rs.600 crore fee reimbursement dues, the private professional colleges may not reopen their institutions, after Dasara vacation, over the issue from October 6. The colleges are expected to call for strike on Wednesday.

The Federation of Association of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI), which represents private professionals, has called for its emergency executive meeting to deliberate on the crisis and decide the future course of action to safeguard interest of institutions, staff and students.

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Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka had on September 16 announced that the government would release Rs.600 crore towards the fee reimbursement dues to private higher educational institutions before Dasara festival. “Unfortunately, this commitment has not been honoured. Instead, the funds have been diverted, leaving hundreds of institutions across the State in severe financial distress,” the FATHI said.

The total dues have accumulated to nearly Rs,10,000 crore, and institutions have already been suffering for the past four years without release of funds, it said.

Earlier, the FATHI had announced indefinite closure of institutions from September 15. However, it rolled back its decision as the government held a series of meetings and assured to release Rs.600 crore before Dasara festival.