School holds back report cards over fee arrears

At least 20 parents protested for nearly five hours in front of Salwan Public School (Afternoon) in Rajendra Nagar on Monday evening after the school refused to hand over report cards to parents who had not paid arrears asked by the school.

At least 20 parents protested for nearly five hours in front of Salwan Public School (Afternoon) in Rajendra Nagar on Monday evening after the school refused to hand over report cards to parents who had not paid arrears asked by the school.

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“The school claimed we have not paid fees, which is untrue. And even if we had not paid the arrears, there is no reason why they should not issue a report card,” said a parent, requesting anonymity.

Another parent claimed the arrears were incorrect. “The school has raised its fee by Rs 400 per month. So total fees for last six months is Rs 2,400. And arrears came up to Rs 1,700 but the note they sent asked for Rs 5,500,” claimed a parent. “The school corrected the figures after parents protested,” she added.

Principal Rima Aliawadi said the school had given ample notice to parents. “We had sent reminders several times but some have not even paid the regular fee. A report card is not be issued unless all dues are cleared,” she said.

Director (Education) Chandrabhushan Kumar clarified that report cards cannot be held back under any circumstances. “The issue of fee hike and results are unrelated and one has no connection with the other. A child cannot be denied report card because of this,” said Kumar.

The school has agreed to issue report cards on Tuesday but parents are sceptical.

“If they had to give the report cards they would have given it today,” said another parent.