Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao has strongly criticised the Telangana government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, accusing it of depriving lakhs of poor and middle-class students of access to higher education. KTR alleged that the Congress government deliberately held back fee reimbursement dues amounting to over ₹10,000 crore, leaving students and colleges struggling financially.

This issue is important because fee reimbursement has always been a crucial support system for economically weaker students in Telangana. For many, it’s the only way to afford higher education in professional and degree colleges. With the state reportedly delaying payments, several colleges are now refusing to allow students to sit for exams or access facilities, pushing many young people into uncertainty. Education is often seen as the path out of poverty, and such delays directly hit those who depend on government schemes the most.

KTR’s Allegations Against the Revanth Reddy Government

Speaking at a press conference, K.T. Rama Rao accused Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of intentionally ignoring the welfare of poor students. He claimed that the Congress government had failed to release fee reimbursement funds that were already sanctioned during the BRS regime. According to KTR, the pending amount exceeds ₹10,000 crore, causing severe financial distress to educational institutions and students alike.

KTR said that despite repeated appeals from students and college managements, the state government has shown no urgency to clear the dues. He also alleged that while the government is quick to announce new schemes for publicity, it has neglected existing welfare measures that directly impact the lives of youth.

Students and Colleges Face the Consequences

The delay in fee reimbursement has reportedly created chaos in many private and government-aided colleges. Students from poor families, who depend entirely on the scheme, are unable to pay tuition and hostel fees. Some colleges have even denied access to classes and exams for students with pending dues.

Several student organisations have staged protests across the state, demanding immediate release of funds. They have warned that the issue could lead to mass dropouts if the government does not act soon. Education experts have also raised concerns that such financial uncertainty could discourage future admissions in professional courses like engineering, medicine, and management.

BRS Demands Immediate Action

The BRS has called on the Revanth Reddy-led government to release the fee reimbursement funds without further delay. KTR stated that the welfare of students should be treated as a priority, not a political tool. He accused the government of playing with the future of lakhs of students who are already struggling with rising education costs.

He also reminded that during the BRS regime, Telangana was known for timely implementation of welfare schemes like scholarships, fee reimbursements, and free coaching for competitive exams. He urged the government to maintain the same commitment towards education.

Government’s Response

While the Telangana government has not issued a detailed response yet, sources in the education department have hinted that financial audits and fund reallocation processes are underway. Officials have stated that the dues would be cleared in a phased manner once the verification of beneficiaries is complete. However, the delay continues to anger students and parents, who say they cannot wait indefinitely for relief.

The Broader Impact on Higher Education

Educationists say that such large-scale fund delays can damage the credibility of the state’s higher education system. Many private colleges rely heavily on government fee reimbursements for operational costs. Without timely payments, they face difficulties paying staff salaries and maintaining facilities, which eventually affects the quality of education.

Telangana’s fee reimbursement scheme, launched to support students from weaker sections, has been one of the most impactful education initiatives in the state. Any lapse in implementation directly affects social mobility and the state’s progress in higher education enrolment.