Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 3 (ANI): Telangana Jagruthi founder K Kavitha on Friday alleged that thousands of students in Hyderabad and across the state are facing hardships due to pending fee reimbursements and rising education costs, urging the government to take immediate corrective measures.

Speaking to ANI, Kavitha said, 'In Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad, thousands of students pursue engineering education. The fee reimbursement component has accumulated and now stands at around Rs 7,000 crore. This is directly affecting students, especially those from SC, ST, and BC communities who depend on this support.'

Highlighting the impact, she added, 'They are facing significant hardships. I demand that the government release these pending dues as soon as possible.'

Raising concerns over student documentation, she said, 'Universities are withholding students' certificates. I urge the government to issue orders to release these certificates immediately, as students require them for jobs and opportunities abroad.'

Kavitha also flagged the issue of rising fees in private institutions and called for legislative action. 'With the new academic year beginning, private schools and colleges have increased fees by 25 to 40 per cent. This needs to be regulated. We demand that the government convene a special Assembly session to pass the pending Fee Regulation Bill. No private institution should be allowed to increase fees beyond 8 to 10 per cent annually,' she said.

She further stated that committees appointed by the government had already made similar recommendations. 'The government should take a firm stand and pass the bill based on these recommendations to provide relief to students,' she said.

Reiterating concerns over engineering colleges, Kavitha said, 'Over Rs 7,000 crore in fee reimbursement is pending. Because of this backlog, colleges are not returning original certificates even after students complete their courses. This is creating serious problems for them.'

She concluded by urging swift intervention, saying, 'For students from primary to higher education, the government must act immediately--clear pending dues and implement the fee regulation framework without delay.' (ANI)