Telangana not to pay fee arrears of Seemandhra students

Hyderabad: Telangana education minister G. Jagadeeshwar Reddy on Monday said the Telangana government will not pay the fee arrears of Seemandhra students, who took admissions in Telangana during previous academic years and are currently in various stages of completion of their courses. He stated that either Andhra Pradesh or the Centre will have to bear their fees, amounting to nearly Rs 1,800 crore.

The managements of engineering and other professional colleges on Monday sought payment of arrears of the academic year 2013-14 amounting to nearly Rs 3,000 crore.

“Why should we pay arrears of AP students? Many students from other states take admissions in Telangana every year. Are we paying the fees for them? AP students are no different,” Mr Reddy said.  

When asked, how the Telangana government will differentiate between AP and Telangana students he said, “We are considering various proposals. People  residing in Telangana at the time of formation of AP will be considered locals here. Students’ parents should have been residents  of Telangana in 1956. A final decision is yet to be taken.”

When questioned about how  Telangana students were expected to submit 1956 nativity certificates of their parents, Mr Reddy said, “There is no need for Telangana students to prove their nativity. We can identify them by  their names, surnames  or by looking at their faces.  The taxes paid by Telangana people should be spent for their benefit only,” Mr Reddy said.