The Telangana State Government has made important changes to how fees are set for private professional colleges. This move aims to address worries from parents about frequent and unfair fee increases, while also considering colleges’ concerns about staying financially viable. On Friday, a new government order established a committee to suggest updated fee guidelines for the next academic year.
The decision came after fee proposals from some private colleges were found not to align with rules from the Supreme Court, High Court, and the Telangana Admissions and Fee Regulatory Committee (TAFRC). To ensure fairness and clear regulations, the Higher Education Department created a nine-member committee. This group includes senior academics and experts who will review national fee-setting practices, legal guidelines, and cost indicators to keep education affordable without lowering quality.
Prof. G. Balakista Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TGCHE), will lead the committee. Prof. Sriram Venkatesh, Secretary of TGCHE, will be the Member Secretary. Key members include A. Sridevasena, Commissioner of Technical Education, and N. Kshitija, from the Scheduled Castes Development Department.
Other members are M. Venkateshwar Rao from the State Audit Department, S. Devender Reddy from Town and Country Planning, Prof. K. Venkateswara Rao, Registrar of JNTU Hyderabad, and Prof. A. Krishnaiah, Dean at Osmania University. The Chairperson can also appoint up to two more experts if needed.
The committee will look into how fees are set in other states, considering factors like infrastructure, faculty pay, lab and library standards, and cost of living. They will also review past court rulings that impact fee regulations across the country. This effort seeks a balance between the financial needs of colleges and students’ access to affordable education. They will consult students, parents, and college representatives to gather different views.
An Education Department official emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness in education. “We are paving the way for structured reforms in fee regulation,” the official said. “The recommendations will protect student interests while respecting college autonomy.”
The committee’s recommendations will help TAFRC create legal and fair fee guidelines that fit Telangana’s socio-economic conditions. The government’s proactive steps highlight its commitment to accessible, high-quality professional education and accountability in private education.
