Nara Lokesh Assures Clearance of Fee Reimbursement Dues
Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh criticized the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), stating that it is unwilling to acknowledge the facts regarding fee reimbursement dues. During a discussion in the Legislative Council, Social Welfare Minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy responded to questions raised by YSRCP members about financial assistance for economically disadvantaged students through the fee reimbursement scheme. Intervening in the debate, Nara Lokesh countered the allegations made by YSRCP members, accusing them of spreading misinformation on the issue.
The minister questioned why YSRCP members had walked out when a discussion on education was held in the Legislative Council. "We had already explained everything on that day. Why did you boycott the discussion? We clearly stated the facts about fee reimbursement then. Without listening or reading the details, you are now making baseless accusations. I will send you a note—please read it," Nara Lokesh stated. He added that YSRCP members were unable to accept the facts presented by Social Welfare Minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy.
Nara Lokesh further alleged that during YSRCP’s tenure, fee reimbursement dues had accumulated to ₹4,200 crore. "Is this true or not? You must answer," he challenged. He assured that all details regarding school and postgraduate fee reimbursement would be provided. He pointed out that in 2019, the then-government left pending dues, which were only cleared by the YSRCP government after 16 months. "It has only been 10 months since our coalition government took office. We will certainly clear the pending fee reimbursement dues. I have made this commitment before the House. If YSRCP members were absent from the discussion, what can I do?" he remarked.
He also stated that when a discussion on education was proposed in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), the government had agreed, but YSRCP members failed to attend. "They are unwilling to listen to the facts," he alleged, urging them to thoroughly review the government’s provided details. Meanwhile, Social Welfare Minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy accused the previous YSRCP administration of playing with students' futures, alleging that they had never properly disbursed the 'Vasathi Deevena' (hostel and living expenses assistance) scheme.
