– Students allege stipend loot, illegal fee collection
– Threats like ‘your life is in our hands’ shock interns
– TAFRC issues notices to all colleges, seeks reply by June 10
Article Today, Hyderabad:
Private medical colleges across Telangana are facing serious allegations of exploitation and misconduct. Medical students, including MBBS interns and postgraduate trainees, have raised alarming complaints about unfair fee collection, misuse of stipends, and even mental harassment. The Telangana Admission and Fee Regulatory Committee (TAFRC) has taken the issue seriously and issued notices to all private medical colleges in the state, demanding explanations by the 10th of this month.
Stipends Taken Back Forcefully…
One of the most shocking revelations involves the misuse of government-paid stipends. According to student complaints, colleges are crediting stipend amounts to students’ bank accounts as mandated by the rules, but then coercing students to return the money to the college management. This not only robs students of their rightful earnings but also amounts to financial fraud, they allege.
Adding to this, some college authorities have allegedly threatened students with statements like “Your life is in our hands” if they dared to question these practices. Such intimidation has left many students mentally distressed, creating a toxic learning environment.
Irregular Fee Demands and Withheld Certificates…
Alongside stipend issues, there are widespread reports of colleges demanding fees in violation of the rules, with no transparency or official receipts. In several cases, students claim their academic certificates and important documents have been illegally withheld by colleges as a means of pressure. These actions are not only unethical but also violate students’ basic rights.
TAFRC Demands Explanations from All Colleges…
In response to the growing uproar, the Telangana Admission and Fee Regulatory Committee has taken strict note of the matter. It has issued notices to all private medical colleges, asking for detailed explanations regarding the fee structures, stipend payments, and the treatment of students. Colleges have been asked to submit documented proof of stipend disbursal to students’ accounts and explain the discrepancies reported by students. The committee has given a deadline of June 10 to all colleges to submit their responses. This move is seen as a significant step toward regulating the unchecked powers of private institutions and ensuring justice for aspiring doctors who are being exploited under the guise of education.
