Tension rose in Hyderabad on Tuesday when student activists from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) protested under the campaign “Seizure of Ministers’ Residences.” They demanded the quick release of overdue fee reimbursements and scholarships. This statewide protest, initiated by the SFI state committee, became violent as clashes with police led to several arrests and injuries.
The students focused on the Rs 8,158 crore in unpaid fee reimbursements over the past six years, which they claim have severely impacted their education. SFI State President S. Rajinikanth criticized the Congress-led government, accusing them of neglecting students’ issues and questioned Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s lack of response to ongoing protests.
Rajinikanth noted that students are unable to receive certificates or continue higher education, with mess fees pending in Gurukuls, KGBVs, and Ashram schools for nine months. He also highlighted the shortage of textbooks and uniforms in SC Gurukuls and KGBVs, calling it a fundamental failure in education.
The protest intensified when student leaders moved towards ministers’ homes. Police intervened, leading to a scuffle with injuries reported among students. Witnesses saw police tearing down banners and forcibly dispersing the crowd. Arrested student leaders were taken to various police stations like Bollaram, Karkana, Boinapalli, and Tirumal Giri.
SFI leaders called for a special government order to halt fee collection from students and demanded the immediate settlement of dues under programs like the Best Available Scheme, university grants, and Manabadi funds.
The incident has caused widespread anger in Telangana, with protests spreading to district centers and collectorates. SFI vice presidents D. Kiran and K. Ashok Reddy, along with district leaders, joined the Hyderabad protest, pledging to continue until the government acts.
The lack of an Education Minister for 20 months faced criticism, with student leaders accusing the government of ignoring the education sector.
