Telangana private professional colleges demand fee reimbursement dues

The Federation of Association of Telangana Higher Education Institutions demanded release Rs 2,000 crore fee dues by the end of June

Hyderabad: Stating that the State government owes Rs 8,000 crore in fee reimbursement arrears to private professional colleges, the Federation of Association of Telangana Higher Education Institutions (FATHI) demanded release of Rs 2,000 crore dues by the end of June.

The FATHI, a consortium of all professional colleges, including engineering, pharmacy, management, and nursing, formed on Wednesday, said the State government had already issued tokens for Rs 2,000 crore fee dues in the past. However, the amount was yet to be released.

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The consortium demanded release of Rs 2,500 crore in fee dues, for which tokens were yet to be issued, up to academic year 2023-24 in the next three months. As for the academic year 2024-25, the Federation sought fee dues within six months, i.e., December 30. It also wanted the government to come up with a comprehensive plan, ensuring that colleges receive fee reimbursement arrears in four instalments to colleges.

Addressing a press conference here, FATHI Chairman Dr Ramesh Babu Nimmatoori said tokens were issued for fee arrears for academic years 2020 to 2023; however, the amount was not released. Timely fee reimbursement arrears were one of the assurances given to students by the Congress party during elections, he said, adding the delays were causing difficulties to colleges, faculty and students.

FATHI secretary general Kotala Shankarappa Ravi Kumar, treasurer Kodali Krishna Rao, and organising secretary Katam Suneel Kumar were among others who participated in the FATHI’s first executive council meeting.