Hyderabad, February 23: The Consortium of Engineering and Professional Colleges Managements Association (CEPCMA), which met here, decided to withdraw their proposed shutdown of colleges from Feb 24 following the Supreme Court directions to the State government to release 50 per cent of fee reimbursement and scholarship arrears by March 31.
Putting an end to the row, both the State government and the college managements welcomed the Supreme Court verdict directing the State government to release funds by June 15. While the managements of private professional and engineering colleges have decided to call off the proposed closure of colleges, the State government reiterated its commitment t o continuing the scheme.
“The Supreme Court gave clear orders to the government and we are confident that the court directions will be complied with. Hence, we have decided to call off the proposed shutdown of colleges,” said KVK Rao, general secretary of CEPCMA.
Meanwhile, Social Welfare Minister P Satyanarayana told mediapersons at the Assembly that the government was committed to the welfare of students, particularly those from the weaker and economically backward sections. “The government has already released more than 30 per cent of Rs 3,430 crore towards fee reimbursement and scholarships.
Another 20 per cent will be released by March end as per the court judgement. The remaining arrears will be cleared by June 15,” he said.
The minister urged Kadapa former MP YS Jaganmohan Reddy, who has been fasting in protest against the delay in release of funds towards fee reimbursement and scholarships, to withdraw his agitation.
–Agencies