Telangana Private Colleges Remain Closed for Fourth Day Over Fee Reimbursement

Private colleges across Telangana remained closed for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday (November 6) as talks between the Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI) and the State government failed to break the deadlock.

The indefinite strike, launched on November 3, demands that the State government release 50% of the pending Reimbursement of Tuition Fee (RTF). FATHI has accused the government of reneging on its promise to clear dues worth ₹1,200 crore by Diwali, releasing only ₹300 crore instead.

FATHI Chairman Nimmaturi Ramesh Babu reiterated that the strike would continue until the government meets their demands. Speaking to the media on Wednesday (November 5), he alleged that the government had pushed college managements to a breaking point, forcing them to protest for long-pending fee reimbursements.

“Are the problems of students and colleges not the problems of the government?” he asked, criticising the Revanth Reddy-led administration for ignoring such a critical issue even as colleges remained shut for four days.

Ramesh Babu warned that FATHI would intensify its protests if the government continues to remain unresponsive.

He noted that colleges were struggling to pay staff salaries and announced a large public meeting at LB Stadium on November 8 (Saturday), involving employees, students, and other stakeholders. Around 30,000 participants are expected to attend.

FATHI has also called for a “Long March” to the State Secretariat on November 11, with nearly 10 lakh students and college representatives likely to participate.