Parents of schoolchildren from across the district flooded social media accounts of the administration to push for immediate action against “arbitrary” fee hikes by educational institutions.
The matter gathered steam soon after the district administration constituted a regulatory body for fee structures at private unaided schools and put out the announcement on its official social media accounts.
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain had recently constituted the committee to ensure implementation of the Punjab Regulation of Fee of Unaided Educational Institutions Act and related rules. The regulatory body has been tasked with examining matters related to fee fixation and hikes by private schools in the district.
However, within hours of the notification being highlighted on social media platforms, parents started posting comments, demanding strict action against schools increasing fees “arbitrarily” and “forcing” them to pay additional charges.
Several of the complainants raised specific concerns regarding fee hikes and re-admission charges at Shri Shaligram Jain Public School in Dana Mandi area. Some parents alleged the school management had not implemented previous directions issued by the district administration
No action even after repeated complaints, alleges local
A parent wrote repeated complaints were submitted to the district administration regarding increased fees and re-admission charges at a local school, but they were still being pressured to deposit the amount.
Another parent claimed monthly fee was suddenly increased from Rs 300 to Rs 400, and then to Rs 450, which had become difficult to afford for many labour class families.
Some parents appreciated formation of the committee even as they demanded stronger enforcement on ground. A few said merely constituting committees would not solve the issue unless strict action was taken against schools violating fee norms.
The parents demanded that only reasonable tuition fees be charged and unnecessary annual charges be stopped.
‘Timely disposal of grievances needed’
A number of social media users urged the district administration to ensure transparency and timely disposal of complaints. Some parents expressed concern children and families were facing stress due to continuous reminders and calls from school authorities regarding fee payments.
Administration officials maintained educational institutions can determine their fee structures
to ensure smooth functioning, but any increase must remain within limits prescribed under the
law and should not amount to “profiteering”.
