The indefinite strike by private professional colleges in Telangana entered its fourth day on Thursday. The colleges, including institutions for engineering, pharmacy, MBA, MCA, B.Ed, and nursing, have shut down to demand the release of fee reimbursement dues by the state government.
Demands Behind the Telangana Private Colleges Strike
Strike Details:
- 2,000 private colleges across Telangana are closed, demanding the release of Rs 5,000 crore from the Rs 10,000 crore fee reimbursement dues.
- The Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI) has called for a boycott of pharmacy exams conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), requesting the exams to be postponed.
Government’s Response:
- The Telangana government has formed a committee to study the sustainable fee reimbursement scheme, with FATHI’s involvement.
- However, FATHI has expressed concerns, demanding the committee’s report be submitted in one month, instead of the three-month timeline set by the government.
FATHI’s Stance and Demands:
Demand for Immediate Action:
- FATHI President Ramesh Babu stated that the strike would continue until the Rs 5,000 crore is released. He also emphasized the urgency, stating that the remaining Rs 5,000 crore should be disbursed in monthly instalments of Rs 500 crore over the next 10 months.
Teachers’ Protest:
- A meeting of 70,000 teachers will be held on November 8, 2025, at LB Stadium, Hyderabad, to discuss the ongoing issue.
- Ramesh Babu warned that if their demands were not met, the strike would escalate into a massive protest involving 10 lakh students.
Government’s Promise and Follow-Up:
- Earlier, in September 2025, the government had promised to release Rs 1,200 crore in dues before Diwali, but only Rs 300 crore has been disbursed so far.
- FATHI has expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of payments and insists on immediate action to ensure the financial stability of private colleges.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The ongoing strike reflects the growing dissatisfaction among private colleges in Telangana over the non-payment of fee reimbursement dues. The government’s response, including the formation of a committee, is a step forward, but the immediate release of funds remains the key demand. If the government does not act quickly, this strike could escalate into a larger movement, impacting students and the educational sector across the state.
