R. Krishnaiah calls for State-wide boycott of classes for RTF/Scholarship dues

National BC Welfare Association president and Rajya Sabha member R. Krishnaiah on Monday called for a State-wide boycott of classrooms on March 6 to demand the government to release reimbursement of tuition fees and scholarship dues to students from Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The announcement came at a meeting of 18 BC associations held here. Various leaders, including student association president Pagilla Satish and president of the State BC, SC, ST hostel students Modi Ramdev, said that despite nearly ₹8,000 crore being due, less than ₹1,000 crore has been released over eight months of the academic year.

They accused the government of prioritising other schemes while denying students their constitutional rights, causing hardships such as withheld hall tickets and certificates, loss of jobs and blocked higher education opportunities.

Mr. Krishnaiah alleged the government’s neglect is affecting students’ futures and demanded immediate release of funds, and warned of protests at District Collectorates, RDO and MRO offices.

“In the last 2 years, the government borrowed about ₹2.8 lakh crore and earned ₹5 lakh crore through taxes. Why is it not possible to release ₹8 crore dues for scholarships and reimbursements for 15 lakh students?” the leaders asked.