Private college managements claim that this move could lead to severe financial losses, as many students default on fee payments

ekalavya mallepalli I hyderabad

The latest directive by the Telangana Board of Intermediate Education (TG BIE) allowing students to download their hall tickets directly, bypassing the need for the principal’s signature has come as a serious jolt to private college managements. Students now can download their hall tickets directly, eliminating the need for approval from college management.

Additionally, the Board plans to upload student certificates to APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry), ensuring students can access them independently without college intervention. This initiative was tested during the recent Environmental Education examination and will now be extended to theory and practical exams starting March 3.

Private college managements fear that parents would not pay the fee dues. Raj Manohar (name changed on request) a correspondent of a college in Bharkatpura said, “Private colleges provide quality education and state-of-the-art facilities in the form of computer and science labs apart from other facilities. There is a price that one pays for quality. This directive by the BIE will prove detrimental to the very existence of colleges.”

Private college managements claim that this move could lead to severe financial losses, as many students default on fee payments. “Without control over hall tickets, recovering outstanding dues will become difficult. This could force many colleges into financial distress, and in the long run, some might not survive,” said a senior official from a private institution.

Additionally, private colleges have been directed to install CCTV cameras with a minimum of 4 megapixels and two-way audio systems, which they claim is an expensive indulgence. “There is a misconception that all colleges exploit students for fees. While some may demand full payment upfront, many institutions support students facing financial difficulties by allowing them more time,” the official added.

Colleges also pointed out the high operational costs involved in providing 24/7 electricity through generators. “Running an educational institution is not easy, and these additional financial burden will make survival difficult,” they added.

Government defends the move

Madhusudan Reddy, president of the Government Colleges Junior Lecturers’ Association, stated that the primary goal is to allow students to cross-check their details and prevent errors in hall tickets. “Sometimes, names or streams are printed incorrectly. With this system, students can verify their details and correct mistakes well in advance. Digitalizing the process is a step toward modernization,” he said.

He further pointed out that this initiative protects students from harassment, as some private colleges withhold hall tickets to force fee payments. “Students will no longer face humiliation due to unpaid dues. This system ensures they receive their hall tickets on time, without any trouble,” he added.

B. Jayaprada Bai, Regional Joint Director of Intermediate Education, emphasized that the initiative is not meant to harm private colleges but to improve education accessibility through technology. “Our priority is to ensure students receive the best education and facilities. This system simplifies the process of issuing hall tickets, eliminating unnecessary delays. Many colleges already have their own fee collection mechanisms, and several charge full annual fees in advance,” she said.

This year, 4,88,336 first-year Intermediate students, including those in vocational courses, and 5,07,956 second year Intermediate students will appear for exams across Telangana.