CM Revanth Reddy slams college closures, vows phased fee reimbursement
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Thursday delivered a stern warning to private college managements across Telangana, saying the government will clear pending fee reimbursement dues in phases but will not tolerate any attempt to hold students’ futures hostage.
“Our liabilities to institutions will be cleared, but do not play with students’ lives,” Revanth Reddy said, addressing a gathering in Hyderabad. “If dues are not paid today, they will be recovered tomorrow. Institutions must show restraint and responsibility,” he added, making it clear that the government will act firmly if colleges resort to coercive measures.
Bandhs will not bring back lost time
Revanth Reddy criticised the recent college closures and bandhs called to press for pending payments, saying they serve no purpose other than harming students. “If colleges call a bandh, will lost time return to students?” he asked pointedly.
The Chief Minister said Telangana earns about ₹18,000 crore in monthly revenue, but after disbursing salaries, interests and other obligatory expenses, only about ₹5,000 crore remains. “Tell me how to run the state on this,” he said, noting that fiscal discipline and prioritisation are essential.
Stop treating education as commerce
Taking a hard line against what he called “commercialisation of education”, Revanth Reddy said some college managements were using permissions and donations as leverage against the government. “Education is not commerce; it is a service. How can colleges keep increasing fees at will? What if they flout rules? Don’t play with students just because political leaders support you,” he said, emphasising that his government would not succumb to pressure tactics.
Run the state if you can
In a sharp retort to certain leaders who supported the agitation, Revanth Reddy said some had been misled by vested interests. “If R. Krishnaiah and Mandakrishna want, let them come forward. I will hand them the reins. Run the government for four months,” he said, underlining the challenges of managing a financially stretched administration while meeting social obligations.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government’s priority is to protect students’ interests while maintaining fiscal stability. “We will clear all dues, but blackmail and disruption will not be tolerated,” he said firmly.
