Gadwal witnessed a successful protest organized by the Progressive Democratic Students Union (PDSU). The district participated in a statewide call to demand the release of overdue fee reimbursements and scholarships for students. This bandh affected PG and Degree colleges in the district, with college managements choosing to support and enforce the closure.
The PDSU’s agitation across Telangana focused on the delays in providing financial support to students, which significantly impacts their education. District President Haleem Pasha highlighted the issue, noting:
“In the last three years, ₹7,200 crores meant for fee reimbursements and scholarships remain unpaid. Students face severe challenges, and corporate colleges demand high fees upfront. Many students may drop out due to financial struggles.”
Pasha announced a three-day bandh targeting degree, PG, engineering, and professional colleges. He warned that if the state government doesn’t act quickly to clear the dues, PDSU might escalate the protest, possibly targeting the Chief Minister’s office.
Many educational institutions supported the protest by observing the bandh in solidarity with student demands.
Key Demands by PDSU:
- Immediate release of overdue fee reimbursements and scholarships.
- Legal action against corporate colleges collecting unauthorized donations.
- Opposition to the government’s alleged plan to phase out the fee reimbursement scheme.
USFI (United Student Federation of India) State Assistant Secretary Vaman Palli Rangaswamy also backed the bandh, supporting the students’ legitimate requests.
Prominent participants included Anil, Swami Narsinglu, Vijay, Naresh, Chand B, Vennela, Shailaja, Swapna, and Veeresh, among others, who joined the protest.
The student body insists they will not remain silent until their demands are met. They urge the Telangana government to act promptly, ensuring educational rights for the students relying on financial aid for higher studies.
