Parents’ body up in arms against school fee hike

Abhibhavak Ekta Sangh (AES), a parents’ association, is all set to intensify its protest against various schools and the Haryana government over the latest hike in school fee. Divya Sethi reports.

Abhibhavak Ekta Sangh (AES), a parents’ association, is all set to intensify its protest against various schools and the Haryana government over the latest hike in school fee.

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The association is demanding setting up of a regulatory mechanism to control the fee structure in private schools that are revised every year. Beginning new session, schools have revised fees by 15%-20%.

The Haryana education department has expressed its helplessness in controlling fee structure of private schools.

District education officer Manoj Kaushik said, “We cannot control the fees of private schools. But it is mandatory to submit Form VI, in which schools give details about their income and expenditure.”

The Punjab and Haryana High Court had in 2011 ordered all school to fill Form VI, giving details about their income and expenditure. However, most of the schools have not adhered to the rule. The education department has issued notices to 65 schools in this regard, which includes Sun City World School, KR Mangalam School, Shikshantar School, Lancer International School, Delhi Public School, Sushant Lok. And now schools have revised the fee structure.

Satvir Singh, district president of (AES) said, “There should be some limits but all schools are revising fees as per their wishes. The Government should look into the matter. If our concern is not addressed we would stage a protest in front of the education minister.”

The association has already forwarded the letter to the education minister and deputy commissioner. “It has become very difficult to manage the fees of two school children. Some law is certainly required to control this problem,” said Vishal Kapoor, a parent.

Another parent added, “As government schools do not impart good education, parents mostly prefer private schools and they in turn exploit us.” Col Kr Pratap Singh, president, Haryana progressive school conference said, “Every year teachers get 4%-5% increment. Facilities offered to a child are becoming expensive. Schools need to manage the expenses.”