Leaders threaten Assembly action over unpaid student fees

Opposition leaders and student union representatives have sharply criticized the Telangana government for delaying pending fee reimbursement payments for poor students, even as it earmarks Rs 5,000 crore for a Gandhi statue. They warned that failure to release the dues immediately could lead to disruption of the assembly session beginning March 16.

The meeting, titled “Tears of College Students,” was organized at Somajiguda Press Club by the BC Students Association on Tuesday. Jajula Srinivas Goud, National President of the BC Welfare Association, chaired the event, with BC Students Association State President Godugu Mahesh Yadav presiding and Tatikonda Vikram Goud coordinating.

Former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya urged the government to treat spending on education as investment in human capital rather than mere expenditure. He demanded prompt release of pending fee reimbursement dues for poor students. Former Minister and BJP MP Etela Rajender criticized the government for framing the issue as a private college concern, ignoring the hardships faced by thousands pursuing higher education. He pointed out the irony of collecting old dues from previous administrations while failing to pay students.

Former BRS Minister V. Srinivas Goud and MLC L. Ramana added that BC, SC, and ST students are being neglected, with no funds released despite persistent protests. Jajula Srinivas Goud questioned the government’s priorities, noting that it can allocate Rs 5,000 crore for a Gandhi statue while students face life-threatening financial stress. He warned that unless the Chief Secretary, BC ministers, and Deputy CM respond positively within two days, assembly proceedings will be obstructed.

The gathering included key leaders of BC, SC, ST, and minority student associations, professors, and union representatives, all demanding immediate disbursal of pending fee reimbursement funds.