Private Colleges in Karimnagar Shut Indefinitely Over Fee Reimbursement Crisis
Private degree and postgraduate colleges in Karimnagar have been closed indefinitely since November 18 due to a severe financial crisis. The closures stem from the government’s prolonged delay in releasing fee reimbursement funds, which has left colleges struggling to pay staff salaries and cover basic operational costs.
For over three years, fee reimbursements for the academic years 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 have been pending. Despite repeated appeals and ultimatums by college managements, the government has failed to take any action, pushing institutions to the brink of collapse.
The crisis has disrupted the education of more than 40,000 students in the Karimnagar district. This includes students studying in 65 private degree colleges and 20 postgraduate colleges affiliated with Satavahana University. Many students now find themselves in a state of uncertainty, with their academic futures hanging in the balance.
The problem is rooted in promises made by the Congress government during the recent Assembly elections. While the party’s manifesto highlighted plans to support private educational institutions and streamline fee reimbursement processes, the ground reality paints a very different picture. College managements have appealed to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and other officials, requesting an initial release of Rs 500 crore to address the crisis, but no progress has been made.
The Satavahana University Private Degree and PG College Management Association (SUPMA) has also submitted a petition to the university’s vice chancellor, urging immediate intervention. The situation has become dire, with many colleges unable to pay teaching and non-teaching staff for over six months. While district treasury officials have generated online token numbers for reimbursement, the State finance department has yet to clear the payments, leaving colleges with no choice but to shut down.
Students are deeply concerned, as the closures have disrupted their academic schedules in the middle of the year. Many say the ongoing dispute between the government and college managements is jeopardizing their education and future. Both students and their parents are now demanding that the government resolve the issue as soon as possible.
The indefinite closure has caused distress among students. B. Sindhu, a B.Com final-year student, shared her frustration, stating, “Many of us come from rural areas and are pursuing education with great difficulty. For three years, the government has failed to reimburse our fees, leaving us helpless.”
Kumaraswamy, a second-year degree student, echoed similar sentiments. “The government is focusing on welfare schemes while ignoring the education sector,” he said. “Education is the foundation of progress, and neglecting it will have serious consequences. We urge the government to release the funds immediately.”
The situation remains unresolved, with students and college managements anxiously awaiting action from the government to address the financial crisis and reopen the institutions.
