Cockroach Janta Party demands 15% education budget in Telangana

Party submits memorandum to officials

The Cockroach Janta Party, a fringe political group, has submitted a memorandum to the Telangana education department demanding a significant increase in the state's education budget. The party is asking for 15% of the total state budget to be set aside for education. It also wants a streamlined process for fee reimbursements for students from economically weaker sections.

A delegation led by the party's state convenor met with officials at the education secretariat in Hyderabad on Wednesday. They argued that the current allocation is insufficient to address the needs of government schools and colleges.

Focus on fee reimbursement delays

The party highlighted the recurring problem of delayed fee reimbursements under the state's schemes for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. Students and colleges have often complained about pending payments, which disrupt admissions and academic schedules.

The Cockroach Janta Party's memorandum proposes a time-bound mechanism to clear all pending reimbursements within 30 days of application. It also calls for an online tracking system so students can monitor the status of their claims in real time.

Demand for infrastructure upgrades

Beyond budget and fees, the party has pressed for better infrastructure in government educational institutions. It wants functional toilets, clean drinking water, and adequate classroom facilities in all schools across the state.

The party's representatives argued that poor infrastructure discourages enrollment, especially among girls. They urged the government to conduct a district-wise audit of school facilities and allocate funds accordingly.

Political context and response

The Cockroach Janta Party is not a major political force in Telangana. It has contested a handful of seats in local body elections but has never won. Political analysts say the group's demands, however, echo long-standing grievances raised by student unions and opposition parties.

Education department officials received the memorandum and said it would be reviewed. No immediate commitment was made on the 15% budget demand. The state currently allocates around 10% of its budget to education.

Telangana's fee reimbursement scheme has faced criticism for administrative bottlenecks. In 2025, the state cleared a backlog of over ₹500 crore in pending fees, but fresh delays have been reported this year.

What comes next

The education department is expected to respond to the party's demands within two weeks. Meanwhile, student groups plan to hold a rally in Hyderabad next month to press for similar reforms. The Cockroach Janta Party has said it will escalate the issue if no action is taken.