By In a fierce political confrontation, BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) has sharply criticised the Telangana Congress government for failing to pay building rents for the state’s welfare Gurukul residential schools — pushing many of them to the brink of closure. He accused Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who also holds the education portfolio, of gross negligence and deliberate indifference to the educational rights of poor students. NewKerala.com+4The News Minute+4Uni India+4
What KTR Alleges
Rent Arrears Pending for Nearly a Year
KTR claims that rent dues for the buildings housing the Gurukul schools have not been cleared for almost a year. ETEducation.com+3Uni India+3The News Minute+3 He warned that many of these institutions now face closure because their hostels and academic buildings remain locked. Telangana Today+3The News Minute+3Uni India+3
Undermining the Welfare Model
He framed the issue as more than administrative lapse — alleging a deliberate attempt by the Congress government to dismantle the welfare education legacy built by former CM K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). NewKerala.com+4Uni India+4ETEducation.com+4 KTR accused the government of trying to erase the inclusive education infrastructure that allowed students from backward classes, SC, ST, minorities and economically weaker sections to access quality residential schooling. NewKerala.com+2Telangana Today+2
Withholding Fee Reimbursement Dues
In addition to rent, KTR also slammed the government for delaying or withholding payments of fee reimbursements to students — an act he said deepens uncertainty for thousands relying on government support. The News Minute+2ETEducation.com+2
Financial Mismanagement Allegations
KTR tied this rent crisis to broader allegations about fiscal misgovernance. He claimed that while the government boasts of large revenues and borrowings, it neglects basic obligations such as paying rent for educational infrastructure. Telangana Today+2The News Minute+2 He demanded transparency on how public funds are being used, and suggested that unless the situation is rectified, the people of Telangana will hold the government accountable. ETEducation.com+2The News Minute+2
Impact on Gurukul Schools & Students
Threat of Institutional Shutdown
If the rent dues remain unreconciled, entire Gurukul schools may shut down or become nonfunctional. The locking of hostel buildings, in particular, could displace students overnight, disrupting their education. Uni India+3Telangana Today+3The News Minute+3
Educational Disruption for the Vulnerable
These Gurukul institutions serve many from marginalized backgrounds who depend on residential schooling, subsidised facilities, and government support. The interruption affects not just academics, but also food, lodging, and stability for these students. The News Minute+1
Teacher & Staff Distress
Delays in payments and uncertainty are not limited to building rent. Reports indicate that teachers and staff of Gurukul schools are pressing for resolution of pending dues. The Times of India
Government Response (or Lack Thereof)
To date, there is no clear publicised rebuttal or detailed explanation from the Telangana government concerning the rent arrears or reasons for delay. KTR’s statements suggest that the CM’s negligence and inaction are central issues, but official reaction remains limited in the media. Uni India+1
Political Stakes & Strategy
BRS Mobilisation Threat
KTR has warned of a statewide agitation involving students and parents if the government does not immediately clear pending dues and reopen locked Gurukul buildings. The News Minute+2Telangana Today+2 He positioned this as not just a defence of education, but a battle over the legacy of Telangana’s welfare model. ETEducation.com+1
Blame & Counterblame
By accusing the ruling party of “deliberate cruelty” and dereliction, KTR is attempting to corner the government on moral as well as political grounds. Telangana Today+3Uni India+3The News Minute+3
Voter Sentiment & Education as a Battleground
Education is a potent issue, especially for disadvantaged communities. The failure to maintain welfare schools could become a rallying point for opposition, particularly in rural and semi-urban constituencies.
Road Ahead & Remedies
- Immediate Release of Rent & Dues
The government must clear outstanding rents and reimbursements to prevent further disruption. - Audit & Accountability
A transparent audit of why payments were delayed — whether procedural, financial, or political — would be necessary to restore trust. - Interim Measures
Unlocking closed buildings, relocating students temporarily, or arranging alternate hostel accommodations until dues are cleared. - Institutional Safeguards
Establishing mechanisms to prevent future lapses in payment — e.g., budgeting allocations specifically earmarked for building leases. - Engagement & Monitoring
Involving student bodies, parents, civil society and legislative oversight to monitor compliance and ensure the institutions remain functional.
