Hyderabad, Nov. 8 -- Talks between Telangana deputy chief minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, education minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and representatives of private college managements over fee reimbursement arrears concluded successfully on Friday, November 7, leading to the withdrawal of the ongoing bandh by private higher educational institutions.

Responding to the Federation of Private Higher Education Institutions' (FATHI) request for immediate payment, the government agreed to release pending arrears of Rs 1,500 crore.

Of this, Rs 600 crore has already been paid in two instalments, and another Rs 600 crore will be released immediately. The remaining Rs 300 crore will be cleared within a few days.

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti V...