FATHI cancels all protests; Government agrees for ₹600 crore disbursal

The Federation of Associations of Higher Institutions (FATHI) on the fifth day of their indefinite strike on Friday, to demand Reimbursement of Tuition Fee (RTF) scheme arrears from the government, called off its protest.

Its plans to conduct a mega meeting with teachers and non-teachers at LB Stadium and a Long March with students, stands cancelled. All colleges in the State, and the ongoing examination schedules, put on hold for the protests will resume operations.

The announcement was made by Federation’s president Nimmatoori Ramesh Babu, and other leaders, on Friday at Pragathi Bhavan.

Mr. Babu, along with others, was sharing the table with Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramaraka, Minister for Roads and Buildings Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and senior officers, to address the media after an elaborate consultation.

“The associations have demanded ₹1,500 of the RTF arrears. We have already released ₹600 crore till now, we will release another ₹600 crore soon. We will clear another ₹300 crore in a few days,” Mr. Vikramarka said.

The managements had earlier requested the formation of a committee on fee reimbursement issues. “We have already constituted such a committee. We will request the committee to submit its report at the earliest. We will discuss what reforms are necessary, and representatives from the managements will also be included along with officials,” said the Deputy Chief Minister.

“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the Cabinet discussed the matter in detail. Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and I participated in the talks. From tomorrow, there will be no college bandh in the State,” Mr. Vikramamrka said.

He clarified that funds related to fee reimbursement arrears will be released every month without fail. He also noted that FATHI has requested setting up a committee to streamline issues concerning RTF and make disbursals smooth in the future.

FATHI leaders also took the moment to express regret regarding its communication that put a senior officer in the Education department in bad light .

“We did not say that Sri Devasena (Commissioner, Collegiate and Technical Education) was misleading the Ministers. Our statements were misinterpreted by some media outlets. We don’t intend to hurt any officer; we have already issued a clarification to IAS officers’ statement,” Mr. Babu said.