Chakali Ilamma Women's University in Hyderabad Faces Financial Crisis Over Unreleased Funds

Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University, popularly known as Koti Women’s College in Hyderabad, is facing a severe financial crisis and has been forced to depend on Osmania University to meet day-to-day expenses and pay staff salaries.

The crisis emerged after the Telangana Congress government failed to release Rs 100 crore allocated for operational expenses in the 2026 State budget. In total, the state government had allocated Rs 500 crore to the university, with Rs 400 crore designated for the construction of hostels and an academic block, and Rs 100 crore for operations. While development works have commenced, operational funds remain blocked.

To keep the institution running, Osmania University has released Rs 4 crore over the last three to four months at a rate of Rs 1 crore per month to cover salaries for professors, contract staff, and outsourced employees. A senior Osmania University official confirmed that the government had directed OU via a letter to cover the women's university's monthly expenses until the sanctioned funds are released, with a promise that the money will be repaid.

The university requires approximately Rs 2 crore per month to pay its regular, contract, and outsourced staff. In addition to the unreleased operational budget, the institution is awaiting Rs 15 crore in pending fee reimbursement arrears from the government. The varsity's internal revenue from examination fees and self-finance course tuition currently covers only outsourced and contract staff salaries.

Due to the financial crunch, the university has imposed an additional fee of Rs 1,200 on students admitted to undergraduate programmes. Upgraded from OU College for Women by the previous BRS government as Telangana’s first Women’s University, the institution offers 31 undergraduate courses with an intake of 1,850 and 37 postgraduate courses with 997 seats.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Surya Dhanunjay acknowledged the difficulties, stating that the university is making efforts to secure the Rs 100 crore from the government and that clearing the fee reimbursement dues would provide vital interim relief.