ST Commission hears plea on Telangana students’ welfare issues, corruption

New Delhi: The National Scheduled Tribes (ST) Commission in Delhi conducted a crucial hearing on petitions filed by the Telangana SC, ST, BC Minority Student Youth Association, highlighting unpaid student welfare dues, hostel mismanagement, and allegations of corruption in educational and employment-related systems.

Hearing held in Delhi with Finance Department officials present

The hearing took place at the chambers of the National ST Commission in Delhi. Senior officials from Telangana’s Finance Department, including the Secretary, were present to respond to issues raised by student representatives and association leaders.

Unpaid dues jeopardizing student education

The petitioners alleged that the Telangana government has failed to clear significant pending dues including tuition fees, scholarships, fee reimbursement, mess charges, and other bills for SC, ST, BC, and Minority Welfare Hostels, Ashram Schools, and Gurukuls. As a result, many students are reportedly unable to pursue higher education due to pressure from private school managements to pay full fees.

Hostel wardens under financial duress

Wardens and deputy wardens of welfare hostels are said to be managing operations by taking loans at high-interest rates (5%-10%) and even mortgaging personal properties to support students. Despite repeated appeals, the state government has not cleared hostel-related bills or GCC (Government Canteen Charges) bills, the association claimed.

Demands for swift Inquiry and protection from misuse of power

The association urged the Commission to ensure a prompt and impartial inquiry into the financial irregularities and student welfare delays. It also alleged that some officials accused of corruption were evading accountability by registering unrelated legal cases against whistleblowers and petitioners, using court notices to suppress inquiries.

Allegations of job scams and exploitation of unemployed youth

Petitioners brought forward serious allegations that some individuals were collecting Rs 2–5 lakhs from unemployed youth with false promises of job placements, especially in the name of Singareni Collieries. Some were reportedly offered temporary jobs through outsourcing, while others were told to wait and keep silent.

Call for investigation into outsourcing practices

The association demanded a thorough investigation into the functioning and assets of outsourcing agencies. It proposed dissolving these agencies and setting up a recruitment corporation under the leadership of an IAS or IPS officer to ensure transparency in hiring processes.

Association’s testimony and officials’ response

Gavvala Srikanth, State President of the association, and General Secretary Kota Sivashankar presented the full details before the Commission’s judge. Police and Finance Department officials in attendance assured that the matter would be taken up with the Telangana state government for necessary action.

The Commission is expected to review the submissions and decide on follow-up actions to address the grievances raised during the hearing.