Nearly 2,000 Telangana colleges go on strike over Rs 10,000 crore pending dues

Private professional colleges across Telangana have begun an indefinite strike, leading to the closure of nearly 2,000 institutions, including engineering, pharmacy, MBA, and degree colleges.

The move, initiated by the Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI), has left thousands of students without classes and caused major uncertainty over ongoing examinations.

The protest stems from the government’s delay in clearing nearly Rs 10,000 crore in long-pending dues under the Reimbursement of Tuition Fee (RTF) and Maintenance Fee (MTF) schemes, which support students from economically weaker backgrounds.

The immediate trigger for the strike was the



state’s failure to meet a November 1 deadline to release Rs 900 crore. College management alleged that the government had earlier promised Rs 1,200 crore before Diwali, but released only Rs 300 crore.

FATHI leaders said the strike will not end until the government releases at least Rs 5,000 crore immediately.

The federation has also planned mass protests, including a rally at LB Stadium on November 8 and a 'Long March' to the State Secretariat on November 11, expected to draw lakhs of students and college staff.

Student unions have largely supported the protest, noting that the delay in reimbursements has led to unpaid staff salaries and even withholding of students’ certificates.