Over 1,000 private colleges across Telangana shut down

FATHI decided to shut down the colleges in protest against delays in releasing approximately Rs 7,500 crore in dues under the government's Fee Reimbursement Scheme, with some payments pending for as long as five years.

Hyderabad: Private college managements in Telangana called off their indefinite strike on Monday night after the state government agreed to immediately release Rs 600 crore in fee reimbursement arrears, with another Rs 600 crore promised by Diwali.

The announcement came following a marathon day-long meeting between government representatives and the Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI). Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced the outcome, prompting college managements to withdraw the strike that had begun earlier that day.

More than 1,000 private colleges across Telangana remained closed on Monday, affecting approximately 14 lakh students. The shutdown impacted institutions offering engineering, law, and other professional courses throughout the state.

FATHI had decided to launch the strike following its general body meeting on Sunday, protesting significant delays in releasing approximately Rs 7,500 crore in dues under the government's Fee Reimbursement Scheme. Some payments have been pending for as long as five years, creating severe financial strain on educational institutions.

The prolonged delay in payments has left faculty and staff across institutions without salaries for several months, according to college managements. This financial distress has intensified with the approaching Dussehra season, making it difficult for families to meet basic needs.

Students have also faced academic disruptions as institutions struggle to function under these severe financial constraints. The government has cited resource limitations, stating that available funds are being utilized to pay government staff salaries and support newly introduced government schemes.

"Faculty and staff across institutions have been suffering without salaries for several months. Families are unable to meet their basic needs, and with the Dussehra season approaching, the distress has reached unbearable levels," said FATHI Chairman N. Ramesh Babu.

The federation had designated September 15, Engineer's Day, as a "Black Day" across Telangana to highlight their grievances.

FATHI Treasurer K Krishna Rao had demanded immediate release of Rs 1,200 crore already sanctioned in the state budget before Dussehra, clearance of all longstanding dues by December 31 and a fresh government policy on fee reimbursement for the 2025-26 academic year by year-end, covering admissions, reimbursement, and fee fixation in consultation with institutions.