Hyderabad: The Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI) ended its strike on September 15 after the State government agreed to release ₹600 crore towards pending Reimbursement of Tuition Fees (RTF) dues. The decision followed late-night talks with Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and senior ministers.
Govt blames BRS for arrears, promises reforms
Mr. Vikramarka said the dues had piled up because of “a decade of financial mismanagement by the BRS government.” However, he added that the Congress government is now clearing arrears sector by sector. He confirmed that the ₹600 crore will cover already generated tokens. Additionally, he pledged to streamline future payments to prevent backlogs from returning.
Strike began as a symbolic ‘black day’
FATHI, which represents management of degree, engineering, and pharmacy colleges, launched an indefinite strike on September 15. The federation declared the day a symbolic “black day,” coinciding with Engineers’ Day, observed in memory of Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. Leaders demanded ₹1,200 crore for generated tokens already included in the budget.
Several earlier protests and meetings had failed to yield results. Therefore, when the strike began, the government called FATHI leaders for urgent consultations. Deputy CM Vikramarka and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu held talks on Sunday and Monday, both extending late into the evening.
Late-night resolution ends agitation
At a 10 pm press briefing on Monday, Mr. Vikramarka announced the decision in the presence of Ministers Sridhar Babu and N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, and Finance Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania. He said the release proved that education remains a top government priority.
He also announced the formation of a new committee of Principal Secretaries, senior officials, and FATHI representatives. As a result, the panel will simplify and consolidate the RTF process to ensure smoother disbursements in the future.
FATHI Chairman N. Ramesh Babu welcomed the release of funds. He described it as “a good sign for managements, teachers, and staff before the Dasara festival.” He then confirmed that the federation had called off its indefinite strike.
