Will Private Colleges in Telangana Continue Their Strike Over Fee Reimbursement?
Synopsis
In a decisive move, private colleges in Telangana have vowed to maintain their indefinite strike until the government addresses their grievances regarding fee reimbursement. With significant financial dues at stake and a major meeting planned, the situation is escalating. Will the government respond in time to avoid a massive protest?
Key Takeaways
Indefinite strike by private colleges in Telangana.
Demand for 50% release of pending fee reimbursement dues.
Upcoming meeting of 70,000 teachers on November 8.
Potential protest involving 10 lakh students if demands are unmet.
Government has set up a committee to address financial issues.
Hyderabad, Nov 5 (NationPress) The managements of private professional colleges in Telangana have announced that their indefinite strike will persist until the government addresses their demands. Ramesh Babu, president of the Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI), stated that the colleges have been striking for three days.
During a press conference, he mentioned that while the government has invited them for negotiations, they will not end the strike until their demands are fulfilled.
FATHI's position was clarified just a day after the government set up a committee to mobilize finances for the fee reimbursement scheme.
The government revealed that this committee, which includes officials and FATHI representatives, will explore a sustainable fee reimbursement scheme through the Trust Bank.
Ramesh Babu welcomed the committee but insisted that the report should be submitted within one month instead of the proposed three months.
They are demanding the government to release 50 percent of the pending fee reimbursement dues.
He criticized the recent vigilance raids on colleges, describing them as indicative of a dictatorial attitude. Additionally, he announced a meeting of college faculty scheduled for November 8 at LB Stadium in Hyderabad, expecting around 70,000 teachers to attend.
Ramesh Babu warned that if their demands remain unmet, they would organize a significant protest involving 10 lakh students.
FATHI has accused Education Commissioner Devasena of mistreating college managements and has called for her immediate transfer.
The total dues under the fee reimbursement scheme amount to approximately Rs 10,000 crore. Leaders from FATHI mentioned that during talks in September, the government had pledged to disburse Rs 1,200 crore in dues before Diwali, yet only Rs 300 crore has been released so far.
Following FATHI's call, around 2,000 professional colleges, including those for engineering, pharmacy, MBA, MCA, B.Ed, and nursing, initiated an indefinite shutdown on Monday.
Point of View
I believe it's essential to recognize the challenges faced by private colleges in Telangana. The ongoing strike reflects significant concerns about financial stability and governance in education. It’s crucial for the government to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve these issues, ensuring that educational institutions can continue to operate effectively.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the demands of the private colleges in Telangana?
The private colleges are demanding the government release 50% of the pending fee reimbursement dues amounting to Rs 10,000 crore.
How many colleges are participating in the strike?
Approximately 2,000 professional colleges, including engineering, pharmacy, and nursing institutions, are participating in the indefinite strike.
When is the meeting of college faculty scheduled?
The meeting of college faculty is scheduled for November 8 at LB Stadium in Hyderabad.
What is the government's response to the strike?
The government has invited the college managements for talks but has not yet addressed their demands, leading to the continuation of the strike.
What are the consequences if the demands are not met?
If their demands are not fulfilled, the college managements plan to stage a massive protest involving 10 lakh students.
