SFI Protests Closure of 12 Gurukul Colleges

Hyderabad: The decision to shut down 12 social welfare residential intermediate colleges across Telangana has drawn criticism from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), which demanded an immediate reversal and warned of statewide protests if the decision is not withdrawn.

The institutions, spread across districts such as Gadwal, Karimnagar, Bhadrachalam, Khammam, Mahabubabad, Siddipet, Sangareddy, Kamareddy, Bhupalpally, Jangaon and Medchal-Malkajgiri. They currently show zero student intake for the coming academic year across any of the intermediate streams. The list includes both boys’ and girls’ institutions, some of which are located in remote or educationally backward areas. The absence of admissions appears to be the basis for the proposed closure.

SFI has opposed this move, calling it unfair to students from poor and marginalised backgrounds who rely on such institutions for access to affordable education. They said these Gurukuls serve as a critical alternative in a context where corporate colleges are unaffordable for many. “The government should continue these colleges instead of closing them down. They must expand admissions and support students who otherwise have no means,” said SFI state leaders S. Rajinikanth and T. Nagaraju in a statement.