Government to pay 5,520 crore in fee reimbursements

The state government plans to pay off 5,520 crore in pending fee reimbursements to educational institutions. This will happen in phases, according to Panchayati Raj Minister Danasari Seethakka. She made this announcement during a question session in the assembly on Saturday. Since the Congress party took over in December 2023, it has disbursed 829 crore. Seethakka stated that the debts accumulated during the previous BRS government amount to 1,179 crore. Lawmakers from the BRS party are urging the government to pay at least half of the overdue amounts quickly. Jangaon MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy expressed concern for college managements, who might have to close down due to financial strain. He compared their situation to a character in the 1984 film Sitara, showing that they appear well-off but are struggling underneath. Sirpur MLA Palvai Harish Babu from the BJP added that many colleges are withholding students' certificates because of unpaid reimbursements. Minister Seethakka responded by saying that the deputy chief minister and finance minister have assured college managements that the dues will be paid, and students' certificates should not be withheld.