Telangana higher education colleges to strike over Govt for pending ₹600 crore dues

HYDERABAD: Private higher education institutions across Telangana have announced a strike from October 13, citing the government’s failure to release promised fee reimbursement funds.

The Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI) said the government had assured the release of ₹600 crore before Dasara, but the amount was not cleared. Deputy chief minister had publicly promised the payment, the association said.

“Instead of releasing the funds, the government diverted them elsewhere. Institutions are in deep financial distress,” FATHI said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Dues pending for four years

According to the federation, total dues have mounted to nearly ₹10,000 crore over the past four years. Many institutions have been struggling to pay salaries to faculty and staff, while also failing to meet basic operational costs.

Managements had agreed to accept the immediate release of at least ₹600 crore in view of the government’s fund crunch. But even this partial relief has not come through, the association said.

Emergency meeting on October 1

FATHI has convened an emergency executive committee meeting on October 1 at 11.00 IST in Hyderabad to decide the course of action. The strike decision is expected to be ratified in that meeting.

The federation said the protest was being launched to safeguard the interests of staff, students and other stakeholders. “We have been patient for years, but now the sector cannot survive without urgent government intervention,” the statement added.