Telangana High Court Suspends GO 9 on Fee Reimbursement Admissions

Telangana High Court Suspends GO 9 on Fee Reimbursement Admissions

The Telangana High Court has temporarily suspended the operation of G.O.Ms. No. 9, which governs fee reimbursement admissions in private colleges, until next Tuesday.

Justice Juvvadi Sridevi passed the interim order while hearing petitions filed by 89 private engineering and pharmacy colleges. The colleges challenged the new guidelines, arguing that they continued restrictions similar to the earlier GO No. 7, which had faced criticism from the court.

Under GO No. 9, colleges were directed not to collect fees from students admitted under the fee reimbursement scheme. The allotment letters also stated that students were not required to pay fees. College managements argued that this placed them in a difficult position, especially when large reimbursement dues from the government remain pending.

During the hearing, the court questioned how private institutions could continue functioning without receiving reimbursement funds or being allowed to collect fees. It raised concerns about staff salaries, daily operational costs and admissions for the upcoming academic year.

The State government informed the court that fee reimbursement arrears had accumulated to several thousand crore rupees. It also stated that reimbursement for SC and ST students involves Central assistance, which is released only after the State first pays the full amount.

The government sought two weeks’ time to submit its response and assured the court that fee reimbursement amounts for eligible students applying between April 1 and July 31 would be released by August 15.

College representatives said they would consider withdrawing their petitions if the government provides a clear payment roadmap and fulfils its assurance on clearing the dues.

Students who joined the case expressed concern that they were being affected by the dispute between the government and college managements. They requested the court to ensure that their education and admissions are not impacted.

The matter has been adjourned to next Tuesday, with interim protection continuing for the private colleges.