Hyderabad: Private colleges in Telangana will shut down indefinitely from September 15, which is also Engineer’s Day. The Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI) made this decision as a protest against the state’s delay in paying fee reimbursement dues. The day will be observed as a Black Day.
FATHI’s executive committee expressed frustration over the government’s lack of response to their proposals to ease its financial burden. They demand the immediate release of Rs 1,200 crore in pending dues and the creation of a Fee Funding Bank for sustainable financial support.
The payment delay has caused a financial crisis in private colleges. Many faculty and staff have not received salaries for months, leading some to leave their jobs. This has disrupted academic activities, and with the Dasara festival approaching, affected families face difficulties. A senior college administrator mentioned that morale is extremely low, labeling the situation a humanitarian failure.
FATHI criticized a recent government meeting with Vice-Chancellors discussing a facial-recognition attendance system linked to reimbursements. They view this as a distraction from the financial crisis. A FATHI spokesperson argued this technical solution worsens the situation for students, faculty, and management.
The strike will coincide with Engineer’s Day, honoring Sri Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, which will now be a somber occasion in Telangana’s private education sector. FATHI believes Visvesvaraya would be disheartened by the current state of professional education. The federation apologized for the inconvenience to students and parents but blamed the government for the crisis. They insist education and livelihoods cannot be compromised further.
The strike will continue until the government releases the pending dues and engages seriously with educational institutions.
