Private colleges and higher education institutions across Telangana have begun an indefinite strike, bringing academic activities to a halt. This widespread shutdown, initiated by the Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI), is a forceful protest demanding the immediate release of long-pending tuition fee reimbursements from the state government.
Campuses displayed notices declaring the closure, while students, teaching staff, and non-teaching personnel actively participated in massive demonstrations throughout various districts. Student organizations also joined the movement, holding ‘gheraos’ and sit-ins to bolster the protest.
FATHI confirmed that institutions offering courses like Engineering, Pharmacy, MBA, MCA, B.Ed, and Nursing are all part of this protest. The federation highlighted a broken promise: despite the government assuring the release of ₹1,200 crore in dues by Deepavali, only ₹300 crore has been disbursed so far.
During Monday’s protests, FATHI members vowed to escalate their agitation until the government takes decisive action. Their strategy includes a massive gathering of approximately 30,000 employees, students, and other stakeholders at L.B. Stadium on November 8th. Furthermore, the federation has declared a ‘Long March’ to the State Secretariat on November 11th, expecting an overwhelming participation of around 10 lakh students and college representatives to deliver a powerful message to the authorities.
As the indefinite strike persists, FATHI has set a clear condition for its withdrawal and the resumption of college operations: the government must immediately release ₹5,000 crore, representing roughly half of the total outstanding RTF dues.