K.T. Rama Rao Slams Telangana Government Over Fee Reimbursement Policy, Demands Rollback of GO 7

Hyderabad, May 2026 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, accusing his government of betraying nearly 14 lakh students from backward and minority communities over changes to the fee reimbursement system.

In a detailed letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Rama Rao alleged that Government Order No. 7 (GO 7) represents a “deliberate and damaging attempt” to weaken the long-standing fee reimbursement scheme, which has been instrumental in enabling access to higher education for students from economically weaker sections, including BC, SC, ST, and minority groups.

He criticised the provision in the order that allows educational institutions to collect fees directly from students while reimbursement approvals are pending. According to him, this move would effectively block access to higher education for lakhs of underprivileged students, pushing their academic and professional futures into uncertainty.

KTR demanded the immediate withdrawal of GO 7 and urged the Chief Minister to issue a public apology to students affected by the policy. He argued that the government’s approach undermines a critical welfare initiative that has supported inclusive education for years.

Highlighting the financial strain on the education sector, Rama Rao pointed out that the government has failed to clear fee reimbursement dues amounting to nearly ₹10,000 crore over the past two-and-a-half years. He said this backlog has severely impacted more than 2,500 educational institutions, leaving colleges struggling to operate and students facing hurdles in obtaining certificates and continuing their studies.

He further accused the government of misleading stakeholders by forming committees, making token fund releases, and offering delayed assurances instead of resolving the core issue of unpaid dues.

Recalling the origins of the scheme, KTR noted that it was introduced by former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy and later strengthened in Telangana under former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhara Rao. He questioned why the current administration would weaken such a vital programme.

The BRS leader also raised concerns over the deteriorating conditions in residential educational institutions, alleging negligence in providing basic facilities for students.

Warning of potential agitation, Rama Rao said the BRS would not remain silent if the government continues on its current path. He cautioned that any statewide protests by students would be the responsibility of the government.

Reiterating his demands, KTR called for the immediate release of pending dues and the withdrawal of GO 7, stressing that safeguarding the future of lakhs of students must remain a top priority for the state.