Principals fear latest fee cut by state govt will result in closure of pvt schools

PUNE State education minister Varsha Gaikwad, on Wednesday, announced a reduction in private schools fees by 15 per cent

PUNE State education minister Varsha Gaikwad, on Wednesday, announced a reduction in private schools fees by 15 per cent. Although this came as a relief to parents, private school managements are worried. Schools have been closed since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020, with all classes online.

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Rajendra Singh, president, Independent English Schools Association (IESA) said, “As the Maharashtra Educational Institutions (Regulation of Fee) Act, 2011 is in place, any decision about fees is between EPTA and schools. So we are surprised; on what basis such an ordinance has been passed? There cannot be a blanket order for all schools. At some schools fees have been reduced by 50 per cent, and from that now there will be a further 15 per cent reduction. These schools will close down. This order has been passed for popularity and because of inappropriate public pressure.”

“If you are reducing fees, then parents must pay all outstanding fees in full. Already schools are facing a challenge to get fees from parents,” he added.

When asked about legal measures that could be taken against this decision, Singh said, “Once our legal teams go through the detailed order, we will take the appropriate measures.”

Sanjay Shendge, principal, Seth Dagaduram Katariya High School said, “It is the collective responsibility of both schools and parents to keep the learning of students going on, and school fees is an important factor. The state government decision has given relief to parents, but at the same time it is necessary to think about private schools which are closing down due to a financial crisis or not getting fees from parents.”

Another prominent school principal speaking on condition of anonymity said, “The decision declared by state government has shocked us. We are already struggling for the last one year to pay salaries. Half salaries have been paid to teachers, many of them have left the job and now in such a situation running a school will be difficult. We would rather take a final call and close down the school.”