Students Protest 15,000 Crore Fee Refund Demand as Telangana Govt Remains Silent

A 48‑hour hunger strike kicked off at the BJP state headquarters in Hyderabad, pressuring the Telangana government to clear an estimated 15,000 crore rupees in overdue fee refunds.

The protest underscores a broader dissatisfaction among students who say the Congress administration has neglected the education sector. According to organizers, the withdrawal of funds has left thousands of learners without the financial relief they were promised.

The BJP alleges that the pending amount, initially reported at 6,000 crore during a November rally of about one million students, has now ballooned to over 12,000 crore. The unpaid sum is said to include beneficiaries from marginalized communities such as SC, ST and OBC groups.

Critics argue that large private institutions have entered into a profit‑sharing pact with the government, while smaller colleges face severe cash‑flow problems. The lack of reimbursements is reportedly forcing many students to quit college, deepening the state's unemployment challenges.

The BJP warns that growing student anger will manifest itself in upcoming municipal and assembly elections, potentially influencing the political balance in the region.