Has Telangana Formed a Committee to Secure Funds for the Fee-Reimbursement Scheme?
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Synopsis
The Telangana government has formed a committee to address the financial crisis affecting private professional colleges, which are protesting unpaid dues. With significant arrears in the fee reimbursement scheme, this move could reshape the higher education landscape in the state. Will this initiative bring relief to the struggling institutions?
Key Takeaways
- The Telangana government has established a new committee for financial mobilization.
- Private colleges are protesting due to unpaid dues.
- The total arrears under the fee reimbursement scheme are significant.
- Key stakeholders from education sectors are included in the committee.
- The committee aims to create a sustainable reimbursement framework.
Hyderabad, Nov 4 (NationPress) The government of Telangana has established a new committee aimed at securing funds for the fee-reimbursement scheme as private professional colleges in the state continued their closure for the second consecutive day, protesting against unpaid dues.
The committee will consist of officials and members from the Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI), tasked with developing a sustainable fee reimbursement strategy via the Trust Bank.
This initiative follows discussions between Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and representatives of FATHI, focusing on enhancing the higher education framework, securing finances for the reimbursement programs, and creating a dedicated institutional structure.
The committee will be led by the Special Chief Secretary for Welfare and will include the Principal Secretary of Finance as its vice-chair. Members will also include Secretaries from various departments, the chairman of the State Council of Higher Education, and the Commissioner for Scheduled Caste Development.
Renowned academicians Prof Kancha Ilaiah and Prof Kodandaram are also appointed as committee members, alongside three representatives from FATHI.
The Government Order issued by the Chief Secretary outlines the committee's responsibility to analyze a sustainable fee reimbursement model via the Trust Bank, propose a transparent framework to optimize the fee reimbursement policy, and recommend improvements for the higher education system.
The committee will engage in discussions, review suggestions, and provide a report to the government within three months for further action.
Responding to FATHI's call, approximately 2,000 professional colleges—including engineering, pharmacy, MBA, MCA, B.Ed, and nursing institutions—initiated an indefinite strike on Monday due to the lack of payment.
College managements have expressed their inability to operate institutions due to these outstanding dues. FATHI reports that the total arrears under the fee reimbursement scheme amount to around Rs 10,000 crore. During previous discussions in September, the government had assured the release of Rs 1,200 crore in dues before Diwali, yet only Rs 300 crore has been disbursed to date.
Point of View
The situation in Telangana illuminates the broader challenges facing higher education funding in India. The establishment of this committee represents a proactive step towards addressing financial discrepancies and improving the educational framework. It is imperative for the government to act decisively to restore confidence among educational institutions and ensure that students receive the support they deserve.
NationPress
26/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the newly formed committee in Telangana?
The committee aims to mobilize funds for the fee-reimbursement scheme to address unpaid dues affecting private professional colleges.
How many colleges are participating in the indefinite shutdown?
Approximately 2,000 professional colleges, including various institutions like engineering and nursing colleges, have initiated the shutdown.
What are the reported arrears under the fee reimbursement scheme?
The total arrears under the fee reimbursement scheme are estimated to be around Rs 10,000 crore.
