Fee reimbursement crisis deepens as colleges seek undertakings from students
HYDERABAD: Engineering and other professional colleges have begun collecting undertaking letters from students, stating they must pay fees if the government fails to reimburse within three months, amid mounting dues of ₹11,000 crore pending for over two-and-a-half years.
The move has affected lakhs of students from backward classes (BC), scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST), who rely on the fee reimbursement scheme for higher education.
Colleges link attendance and exams to fee payment
According to the undertakings obtained from newly admitted students this academic year, institutions have warned that students will not be allowed to attend classes or appear for examinations if fees are not paid within the stipulated period.
College managements said the letters were necessitated by delays in reimbursement, which have disrupted institutional finances.
High court permits direct fee collection from students
In a recent development, the high court granted permission to colleges to collect fees directly from students, citing prolonged delays in government payments.
Despite repeated representations, protests and legal appeals by colleges and stakeholders, there has been no resolution to the dues issue.
Government under scrutiny over unpaid ₹11,000 crore
Criticism has mounted against the government led by Revanth Reddy, with stakeholders alleging inaction on clearing arrears.
College representatives claimed that threats of vigilance raids were issued when institutions raised concerns or sought reimbursement, describing it as pressure tactics.
Sources in academic circles said the current approach has raised fears that the fee reimbursement scheme could be scaled down or discontinued. The issue has also been flagged in recommendations made to the state’s education commission.
