Private schools hike fee in violation of court orders

Private schools in Valley have hiked the fee structure while turning deaf ear not only to the woes of parents but to the orders of High Court and Directorate of School Education (DSE).

While sources from DSE claim that their directions are not being followed by the renowned schools of the valley, Parents Association of Privately Administered Schools (PAPAS) has submitted a list of schools who have charged the fees for two months when valley was under deluge which was waived off by High Court while issuing an order to Minister for Education, Nayeem Akhtar.

“We often get calls from parents complaining about the fee hike… while principals of schools like Presentation Convent School, Burn Hall School and DPS have been called by DSE for discussions, no attention has been paid by the schools to redress the issue. The complaints are piling up with each passing day, the schools have been charging students for one or the other thing,” said one of the top officials of the DSE.

On the other hand, some private schools have claimed the fees for the months of flood citing a PIL of the School Association as defence.

“The PIL was filed by School Association for the schools which did not fall in the flood zone.

It had asked for quashing of earlier court order pleading to be allowed to charge the fees for all months. They argued that these schools were working throughout the flood months and were not given any compensation so how could they waive off the fees,” Convener of PAPAS, Asma Goni told us.

“While the High Court had directed a committee to be formed by June 10 to look into the matter, no such committee was formed. So, how can these schools misinterpret the directions and claim for fees?” Goni said.

 Some of the schools which have been listed in the complaints  are Srinagar British School, Green Valley Educational Institute, New Convent School, Islamia School, Brain and R P School.

“Caset Experimental School is using pressure tactics on us… my son’s marks sheet has been withheld and tomorrow is the last date of filling the form. The school has asked to clear the outstanding fees of flood months,” said a parent on condition of anonymity.

He said that Akhtar had assured them that he will take action against these schools.

Renowned schools Presentation Convent School and Delhi Public School have indulged in fee hike, the Parents Association has mentioned in a communication to the minister.

“Delhi Public School (DPS) Srinagar charged Rs 2000 tuition fees last year and this year it is Rs 2400, printing charges were Rs 3000 and this year it was hiked by Rs 1000. Bus fare has been increased by Rs 300 by DPS while Tyndale Biscoe School has not increased the fees but is charging for unjustified things,” Parents Association said.