Schools, government headed for face-off?

Public schools and the Delhi government could be headed for a clash over the issue of the fee structure in the next academic session, 2011-12.

Public schools and the Delhi government could be headed for a clash over the issue of the fee structure in the next academic session, 2011-12.

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Representing the views of the 1,950 unaided schools in the city, Action Committee, an association of private unaided schools, said on Thursday that schools should be given full autonomy in fixing the fee.

Schools usually increase their fee by up to 10% every year. This year, however, the fee hike could be more to accommodate 25% students from the economically weaker sections (EWS) of society under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

The Delhi government had, earlier this month, ruled out any possibility of fee hike in private schools. "Schools should have full autonomy in deciding appointment of teachers and fee structures. How can the government interfere in such matters?” asked SK Bhattacharya, president, Action Committee.

"The reimbursement that is to be provided to private schools by the government for EWS is a misnomer,” said KL Luthra, general secretary, Action Committee.

"Providing education to all is not the responsibility of the private sector... the government should be responsible,” added Bhattacharya.

The association also questioned how the government, which collects 3% education cess, has utilised the money.