Class 10 top scorer denied TC over Rs 70,000 fee dues

Hyderabad: A Class 10 student who scored 582 out of 600 marks was unable to secure admission for higher studies after the private school allegedly withheld her transfer certificate (TC) over unpaid fees amounting to Rs 70,000.

Officials from the minister’s office told TOI that Kukudala Bhavitha, a student from a private school in Boduppal, had also secured a high rank in POLYCET, an entrance examination taken by nearly 1.6 lakh students. However, on the final day of counselling, she was unable to complete the admission process because she did not possess the transfer certificate required for further studies.

“Bhavitha’s father left for their native village two months ago due to severe financial difficulties, leaving the family without the means to clear the dues,” said her cousin, B Harish. “When we approached the school for the TC on Friday, the management said it would be issued only after the pending fees were paid,” he added.

The family said they repeatedly appealed to the school management, citing Bhavitha’s academic achievements and financial hardship, but received no relief. The school management did not respond to TOI’s requests for comment.

The issue was resolved after Telangana Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy intervened following a public appeal and extended financial assistance to the family.

The incident comes nearly a month after the Telangana high court ruled that educational institutions cannot withhold students’ certificates to recover fee dues. While Bhavitha was ultimately able to proceed with the admission process, no legal action was initiated against the school.