Hyderabad: Chief of the Telangana Rakshana Sena (TRS) K. Kavitha on Wednesday accused the Telangana government of failing to control rising school fees and warned of statewide protests against private educational institutions.
Speaking at a round-table conference organised by the Hyderabad Parents Association at Somajiguda Press Club in Hyderabad, Kavitha demanded immediate legislation to regulate school fees.
Kavitha also sought a government order to freeze fee hikes during the current academic year.
She alleged that private schools across Telangana had increased fees by 50% to 120%, causing financial distress for families.
According to Kavitha, parents were spending 60% to 70% of their income on education and healthcare expenses.
School fee hikes issue sparks protest warning
The TRS leader criticised Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who also handles the education portfolio.
She alleged that the government encouraged private educational institutions by attending their events instead of regulating them.
Targeting GO MS No.7, Kavitha claimed the government was weakening the fee reimbursement scheme by routing funds directly to students’ bank accounts.
She demanded immediate repeal of the government order and release of pending dues worth Rs.11,000 crore.
Kavitha also said delays in reimbursement could affect girls’ education because financially stressed families might withdraw daughters from schools and colleges.
School fee hikes allegations extend to Hyderabad Public School
Kavitha alleged irregularities at Hyderabad Public School and demanded a comprehensive investigation into its functioning.
She claimed the institution increased fees by 120% despite operating on government land.
The TRS leader also alleged lack of transparency in donations, including contributions by alumni such as Satya Nadella.
Kavitha further accused the institution of allowing long-term occupation of key posts and attempting encroachment on 30 acres of campus land.
Warning of mass protests, she said demonstrations would take place at district collectorates if the government failed to act against school fee hikes.