Fee delays push students into distress

Students pursuing higher education in the district are facing financial stress due to delays in fee reimbursement, even though the State government has sanctioned funds.

Nearly seven quarters of reimbursements remained pending during the tenure of the YSR Congress Party government. As a result, parents of students enrolled in degree, engineering, pharmacy, and ITI courses in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 academic years have had to pay fees on their own. The present coalition government is now responsible for clearing these arrears.

The State recently sanctioned Rs 1,200 crore towards pending reimbursements. However, college managements say the funds have not yet been credited to their accounts. “We have not received any payment so far. Until the funds are credited, we have no option but to ask students to clear their dues,” a college administrator said.

Some institutions have warned students that they may not be allowed to appear for examinations if fees are not paid. Officials, however, said the process is underway. “The funds are being released in phases and are being credited to college accounts,” a senior official said.

Students say the delay has caused hardship. “We were told that fees would be reimbursed, but we are being asked to pay again. Many of us have already paid in instalments,” a student said.

Under the earlier system, reimbursement and scholarship amounts were credited to students’ bank accounts. This often meant they had to pay fees first and wait for government support later. Many families faced losses under that system.

The present government has restored direct payment of reimbursements to college accounts and advised institutions not to pressure students. Despite this, some colleges continue to demand payment. “There is still no clarity on whether the money we paid will be refunded once the government funds are credited,” a parent said.