Rama Krishna Sangem
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy found fault with private colleges of Telangana going on an indefinite strike demanding release of reimbursement of tuition fees (RTF) dues. At the same time, he hinted at releasing RTF dues to the colleges in a staggered manner, next the few months, but not in one go.
Addressing the media in connection with the Congress campaign in the ongoing Jubilee Hills assembly seat by-election on November 7, Friday, the CM, replying to a question, said that the government was facing funds crunch at the moment. “It is unfair on the part of the private college managements to go on strike, which will hurt the students’ future,” he said.
He was referring to the five day old strike by the private colleges under the banner of FATHI (Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Educational Institutions) since November 3. Revanth said that he knew that there were certain political forces behind the strike and the personal interests of some of the FATHI leaders.
“It is a fact that Arora Ramesh (FATHI chairman, who runs Arora group of colleges) has asked for permission of some colleges which I had not agreed to. Similarly, there is another college owner from Mahabubnagar who asked for shifting of his colleges or starting off-campus classes in Hyderabad,” said CM Revanth. “I want to tell them that education should not be seen as a business. Keep in mind the extent of loss to students due to this strike,” he said.
The CM said that the government was facing severe funds shortage which is a major reason for not being to clear the RTF dues to the private colleges. He said that his government is ready to clear the dues to an extent of Rs 3,600 crore (that accrued since Congress came to power in Telangana since 2023 December). Revanth objected to FATHI leaders demanding removal of certain officials which is not a good practice.
FATHI puts off rallies till November 14.
Meanwhile, FATHI has postponed rallies of teaching and non-teaching staff and students of its colleges till November 14, as suggested by the High Court. Initially, the federation wanted to hold a rally of teaching staff on November 8 and another of students on November 11. But, the Hyderabad police denied permission for the rallies.
The police cited the by-election to Jubilee Hills on November 11 as a reason for not granting permission to the rallies. The HC after hearing a lunch motion petitions filed by FATHI on Friday, directed the police to grant permission after the by-poll. FATHI, in tune with the directive, deferred its protest rallies. Indications are that there is rethinking on the part of FATHI on continuing the strike unless the government comes up with specific assurance on release of funds to them.
