Parents association hails release of ₹1,200 crore towards fee reimbursements, scholarships

The Parents Association of Andhra Pradesh (PAAP) members lauded the State government’s announcement to release ₹1,200 crore for student scholarships and fee reimbursements.

“I’m happy to inform that ₹1,200 crore is released today towards Fee Reimbursement and Scholarships through the latest Budget Release Orders (BROs), providing immediate support to lakhs of students across AP,” said Education Minister Nara Lokesh on X.

“For every student and parent: no one will face hurdles in education. Clearing all dues and ensuring timely assistance going forward is our clear commitment. Study with confidence – AP government stands with you,” he added.

The members of the parents body expressed their gratitude for the release of ₹1,200 crore for the academic year 2024-25. They said the announcement would provide relief to lakhs of students.

They also demanded that the State government release ₹7,000 crore in pending dues for the Vidya Deevena (Reimbursement of Tuition Fee) and Vasathi Deevena (Maintenance of Tuition Fee) schemes.

“Keeping in mind the future of 12 lakh students, the government should immediately release the pending RTF and MTF arrears for the last three academic years. Due to this delay, private colleges are illegally withholding the original certificates of the students,” PAAP president S. Narahari said.

“These private colleges are imposing a burden on the parents by charging extra fees, beyond what has been fixed by the A.P. Higher Education Regulatory and Monitoring Commission (APHERMC). They are causing mental stress to the students by denying them hall tickets before the exams,” he alleged.

The PAAP members demanded a strict, time-bound schedule for the release of the remaining ₹7,000 crore in dues. They urged for the immediate formation of an inquiry committee or a special task force to take action against colleges withholding certificates over pending fees.