No clear policy on fee refund is another major concern of Gurgaon parents

With no regulatory body overlooking nursery admissions in Gurgaon, schools are free to charge any amount of non-refundable fees from the parents.

With no regulatory body overlooking nursery admissions in Gurgaon, schools are free to charge any amount of non-refundable fees from the parents. Most of the schools set the percentage of non-refundable fee anywhere between 30% and 45%, leaving the parents helpless.

In Delhi, private schools are supposed to refund the fees of the students whose admissions are cancelled. The schools are allowed to retain a portion of the fee, including registration charges and one month’s tuition fee. (Picture For Representation Only)

Parents want like Delhi, the district education officer in Gurgaon should fix a percentage of non-refundable fees that will apply for cancellation of the admission. In Delhi, private schools are supposed to refund the fees of the students whose admissions are cancelled. The schools are allowed to retain a portion of the fee, including registration charges and one month’s tuition fee. The amount is returned within 15 days of the cancellation of the admission.

“Some schools have already started registration for nursery admissions while others are yet to announce the dates. Each school charges at least Rs30,000 as non-refundable fee. It is difficult to decide if we should go for the first school that has opened admission or wait for others,” said Madhu Verma, a parent.

Another parent Neha Raj, said, “I feel that admitting our child to school is a test for us. We selected schools but all of them have different schedules and non-refund policies. We cannot spend lakhs only for admission.”

Education experts suggest that the administration should keep a check on the registration fee being charged by schools.

“The schools should have a uniform pattern and charges for admission. Also, the schools do not have fixed percentage of refundable fees. The administration should ensure a uniformity,” said Sudha, a Delhi-based education activist.

“Schools in Gurgaon charge a high admission and registration fees. Even if the administration steps in and makes rules similar to Delhi, it may not provide much relief to the parents. The high fees should be looked into,” said Sumit Vohra, an education expert in Gurgaon.

Officials from the district education department said stern action will be taken if any school does not refund the fees.

“As per the rules, the schools are bound to refund the fees. A few complaints were received by the DEO last year and action was taken against the schools. The policies have not been framed but the office is not turning a blind eye to the issues,” said an official at the district education office.