The government’s decision triggers a political clash in Hyderabad, with claims that nearly 14 lakh students from backward classes, SC, ST and minority communities may face financial strain
HYDERABAD — A political row has intensified in Telangana after changes to the state’s fee reimbursement scheme raised concerns about the future of lakhs of students, including those from minority communities.
The controversy began after the state government introduced changes through an order known as “GO 7”. The move has drawn strong criticism from the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which claims that the decision could affect nearly 14 lakh students from backward classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minority backgrounds.
Senior BRS leader and former minister KT Rama Rao criticised the government led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accusing it of putting students’ education at risk. Speaking in Hyderabad, he said, “This order is a direct blow to poor and minority students. It is an attempt to weaken a system that helped them reach higher education.”
The fee reimbursement scheme has long been seen as a key support system for students from low-income families, helping them pay college fees and continue their studies. Many Muslim families in Telangana have depended on the scheme to send their children to higher education.
KT Rama Rao claimed that the changes could make it difficult for such students to continue their studies. “If this decision is not reversed, lakhs of students will struggle to stay in colleges. Their future will become uncertain,” he said.
He also alleged that the government had failed to clear pending dues under the scheme. “Around ₹10,000 crore in fee reimbursements have not been released over the past two and a half years. More than 2,500 institutions are affected. Colleges are finding it hard to function, and students are unable to get their certificates,” he said.
According to him, the issue is not limited to funding delays. He accused the government of avoiding real solutions. “Instead of solving the problem, they are forming committees and making promises. This is only increasing the difficulties for students and institutions,” he added.
The BRS leader demanded that the government immediately withdraw GO 7 and release the pending funds. He also called on the chief minister to apologise to students. “The government must take responsibility and correct its mistake,” he said.
KT Rama Rao further warned of protests if the issue is not addressed. “If students are forced to come onto the streets, the government will be responsible. We will not remain silent,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the condition of residential educational institutions, claiming that basic facilities for students were not being properly managed. “Students are facing problems in their daily lives, which is affecting their studies,” he said.
The fee reimbursement scheme was originally introduced by former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy and later continued and expanded after the formation of Telangana under K Chandrashekar Rao. It aimed to provide equal opportunities in higher education for students from economically weaker sections.
So far, the Telangana government has not issued a detailed public response to the allegations made by the opposition.
Students and families across the state are now waiting for clarity, as the issue continues to grow and concerns remain about how the changes may affect access to education, especially for vulnerable communities.
