The Telangana government has announced plans to convene an all-party meeting to discuss long-pending issues related to fee reimbursement and scholarship schemes. The decision was conveyed in the state Assembly by Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu on Friday.
The announcement followed concerns raised by members from various parties during question hour. AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi specifically sought a comprehensive discussion on pending fee reimbursement dues, the implementation of scholarship schemes, and eligibility norms for beneficiaries.
Owaisi emphasised that benefits should reach only deserving students and called for stricter scrutiny. He cited instances where allegedly ineligible candidates received support and also raised the issue of scholarships for Muslim students that had been announced earlier but not fully implemented. He demanded that an all-party meeting be held to find lasting solutions.
Responding to the concerns, Minister Sridhar Babu assured the House that the government would organise the all-party meeting to deliberate on the matter and address the issues raised by different parties.
Background of the Issue
Fee reimbursement and post-matric scholarships have been a major point of contention in Telangana for years. Large arrears have accumulated, affecting thousands of students from SC, ST, BC, minority, and economically weaker sections. College managements have also flagged delays in payments, leading to protests and demands for timely release of funds.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has previously stated that the government aims to clear dues of genuine colleges in a phased manner and has spoken about releasing funds directly to students’ accounts to curb irregularities. The government has also introduced revised guidelines for the 2026-27 academic year, including timelines for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and auto-renewal of scholarships.
Opposition parties, including the BJP, have claimed that outstanding dues run into thousands of crores and have demanded immediate clearance. Student organisations have staged protests seeking faster resolution.
What the Meeting Could Address
The proposed all-party discussion is expected to cover:
Clearing pending fee reimbursement arrears
Strengthening eligibility verification to prevent misuse
Streamlining scholarship disbursement
Ensuring timely payments for the current academic year
Coordination with Central government support schemes for SC/ST students
The meeting is seen as an attempt to build consensus on an issue that directly impacts the education and future of a large number of students across the state. Further details on the date and agenda of the all-party meeting are awaited.
