Andhra Pradesh Releases ₹1,200 Crore to Clear Scholarship and Fee Reimbursement Dues, Boosting Higher Education

In a major step to strengthen higher education and ease financial pressure on students, the Andhra Pradesh coalition government has released nearly ₹1,200 crore towards fee reimbursement and scholarship payments. Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh announced on Tuesday that the funds were sanctioned through Budget Release Orders (BROs), ensuring swift disbursal and immediate relief to lakhs of beneficiaries across the state.

Acting on the directions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Finance Department approved ₹1,198 crore under the Reimbursement of Tuition Fee (RTF) scheme for the 2024–25 academic year. The move is aimed at supporting students from Backward Classes (BC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and minority communities, many of whom depend heavily on government assistance to continue their education.

According to the official allocation details, BC students received the largest share, amounting to ₹735 crore, which was released in two tranches of ₹258 crore and ₹477 crore. Students belonging to the EWS category, including Economically Backward Classes (EBC) and Open Category (OC), were allocated ₹365 crore, while ₹98 crore was earmarked for minority students. The government said the structured release was designed to ensure smooth fund flow and quick crediting of amounts to eligible students.

Reaching out to students and parents through social media, Minister Nara Lokesh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to education. He emphasized that no student should be forced to discontinue studies due to financial constraints. “Our assurance is firm—there will be no obstacles to education. We are clearing pending dues and will ensure timely support going forward,” he said.

Encouraging students to focus on their academic goals, the Minister added that the government stands firmly with them. The administration also underlined its intention to regularize fee reimbursement and scholarship payments in the coming years, preventing the accumulation of arrears and enabling students to pursue their careers with confidence and financial security.