Is the Fee-Reimbursement Scheme Panel Really Meaningless? Union Minister Criticizes Telangana Government
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a fierce critique, Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar lambasts the Telangana government for forming a finance mobilization committee for the fee-reimbursement scheme, labeling it a threat to the state’s educational integrity. With over 2,500 institutions closed, the political drama raises serious questions about the future of education in Telangana.
Key Takeaways
- Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar calls out Telangana government for neglecting education.
- Over 2,500 institutions have shut down, significantly impacting students.
- Pending dues under fee reimbursement scheme stand at Rs 10,500 crore.
- The newly formed committee has been labeled meaningless by critics.
- Immediate financial action is demanded to prevent further educational decline.
Hyderabad, Nov 5 (NationPress) Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar has criticized the Congress administration in Telangana for establishing a committee aimed at generating funds for the fee-reimbursement initiative, asserting that it will lead to the demise of what remains of Telangana’s education system.
The BJP leader expressed his outrage on Wednesday regarding the committee's formation, especially as private professional colleges within the state persist in their strike, insisting on the payment of overdue amounts related to the fee reimbursement scheme.
“In an unprecedented event in Telangana’s history, over 2,500 educational institutions have closed their doors, and the Congress government remains unbothered. Education has suffered the most under their rule,” the Minister stated in a post on social media.
“There has been no proportional increase in fee reimbursement - with two years of BRS government dues and two years of Congress dues - leading to four complete academic years of neglect, forcing students, staff, and parents to endure. The Congress mindset appears to be: ‘If you don’t want to study, don’t study.’”
Bandi Sanjay highlighted that out of the pending dues amounting to Rs 10,500 crore, colleges are merely requesting half. “Rather than addressing that, the government has formed a meaningless committee comprising Congress supporters. Telangana is aware of the outcomes of the Independent Expert Group survey for Backward Classes. Those who failed that survey are now determining the fate of our students. If a committee was necessary, why issue tokens for ₹1200 crore bills? Why not settle the payments? Why announce ₹600 crore by Dusshera if there was no intention of releasing it? Does the Congress manifesto or guarantee card hold any significance, or is this committee just another political charade?” he questioned.
The Central minister accused the Congress administration of reckless fiscal mismanagement that has become synonymous with their governance. “This committee aims to delay, deflect, and ruin what remains of Telangana’s education system. We demand the immediate release of at least half of the pending dues for the sake of students, teachers, and staff,” he remarked.
On Tuesday, the Telangana government established a committee that includes officials, academics, and representatives from the Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI). This committee will explore a sustainable fee reimbursement scheme using the Trust Bank.
On a call from FATHI, approximately 2,000 professional colleges, including engineering, pharmacy, MBA, MCA, B.Ed, and nursing institutions, initiated an indefinite shutdown on Monday.
The college managements asserted that they are unable to operate their institutions due to the non-payment of dues.
According to FATHI, the total outstanding amount under the fee reimbursement scheme is around Rs 10,000 crore. Its leaders indicated that during discussions in September, the government had assured the release of Rs 1,200 crore in dues prior to Diwali, yet only Rs 300 crore has been disbursed to date.
Point of View
The situation in Telangana exemplifies the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions amid political decisions. The formation of the committee raises concerns about fiscal management and prioritization of student welfare. The demand for immediate action underscores the necessity for government accountability in ensuring educational funding.
NationPress
05/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar criticize the Telangana government?
He criticized the government for forming a committee for the fee-reimbursement scheme, which he believes threatens the integrity of Telangana's education system.
What is the status of the fee reimbursement dues?
There are pending dues amounting to Rs 10,500 crore, with colleges requesting only half of that amount.
How many educational institutions are affected?
Over 2,500 educational institutions have closed due to the ongoing crisis related to fee reimbursement.
What actions have colleges taken in response to the government's delays?
Approximately 2,000 professional colleges have launched an indefinite shutdown to protest non-payment of dues.
What is the role of FATHI in this situation?
FATHI represents various educational institutions and has been advocating for the release of pending dues under the fee reimbursement scheme.
