Parents win fight against fee hike, school to roll back its decision

Orchids International School asked parents to pay Rs10K-Rs15K in addition to the fees, despite a 10% hike the previous year

Parents of those studying in Terna Orchids, The International School, in Koparkhairne on the outskirts of Mumbai have managed a small victory. Taking note of their complaint, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has ordered the school to roll back its fee hike.

In its order issued on April 5, the NMMC said under the Maharashtra Educational Institutions (Collection of Fee) Regulation Act, 2011, schools cannot charge any amount in addition to the school fees. (HT File)

The parents, in their complaint, said the school has asked parents to pay Rs10,000 (for Class 6 and 7) and Rs15,000 (for Class 8) for the upcoming academic year (2017-18) under the Orchids Careers Foundation Programme (OCFP), in addition to their regular fees. The programme included special lessons in mathematics and science by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) professionals, increasing the fees from Rs89,000 to Rs1, 02,000 a year.

The parents also claimed that the school had hiked the fees by 10% last year (2016-17).

In its order issued on April 5, the NMMC said under the Maharashtra Educational Institutions (Collection of Fee) Regulation Act, 2011, schools cannot charge any amount in addition to the school fees .

The school has waived the extra charges.While the authorities are yet to announce the decision, an email sent by principal Pratibha Mishra to Rakesh Mundhra, a parent, on Friday, read: “This is to inform you that OCFP fees have been waived.”

Parents alleged the school had planned the hike without their consent. “The school had given us a written assurance that they would not hike the fees ,” said Mundhra. “Teaching is the responsibility of the school. They can’t charge separate fees for faculty.”

Despite repeated calls, Mishra was unavailable for comment. Vice-principal Anupama Rao said, “We have sent the notice to the management. We are awaiting a word from them. May be, the principal has already heard from them.”