HYDERABAD: The ongoing fee reimbursement issue has taken yet another turn as members of the Telangana Private Degree and PG Colleges Management Association refused to meet Dr Devasena, Commissioner of Technical Education, on Wednesday.

The commissioner had invited the association for talks over the pending fee reimbursement dues.

However, members reiterated that they would not hold any discussions with officials until the state releases at least 50% of the pending dues.

Dr Bojja Suryanarayana Reddy, president of the Telangana Private Degree and PG Colleges Management Association and a member of FATHI, told TNIE, “We received a call from the commissioner on Wednesday evening inviting us for talks, but we decided not to meet her until 50% of the pending reimbursement amount is released. Our agitation will continue.”

The state government had earlier promised to release Rs 1,200 crore before Diwali, but only Rs 300 crore has been disbursed so far.

Around Rs 900 crore remains pending, prompting private colleges to remain shut indefinitely.

TNIE’s attempts to contact Dr Devasena for comment were unsuccessful.

The story is reported by Meghna Nath for The New Indian Express