HRD Minister Urges Private Schools To Reconsider Annual Fee Hike: Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriel has urged private schools across the country to reconsider the decision to implement a fee increase during the ongoing lockdown due to the pandemic epidemic. Generally, private schools increase executive fees quarterly at the start of the new annual academic calendar.
In his appeal he has asked state governments to have a talk with school authorities and parents and reach a consensus on school fees and the concern of schools for charging or increasing it.
I request all schools to join hands in the #FightAgainstCoronavirus, empathize with the parents amid this global disaster and re-consider their decision. #IndiaFightsCoronavirus pic.twitter.com/2NAMz88iVi— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) April 17, 2020
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“It has been brought to my notice by many parents from across the country that even in times of crisis, many schools are increasing their annual fees and taking the schools fees of three months at a time,” Mr Pokhriyal tweeted, originally in Hindi.
“I request all schools to join hands in the #FightAgainstCoronavirus, empathize with the parents amid this global disaster and re-consider their decision” he said.
“I also hope that the Education Departments of all States will work together towards the best interests of parents and schools.” he said in a series of tweets today on 17th April 2020.
Lauds State Government for Taking Proactive Steps
Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriwal also praised the positive and active initiatives taken by various state governments on raising school fees. He said that “while locking in, some states have taken affirmative action to address school fees issues, hopefully others will consider this as well.” He sought the state Department of Education’s help in addressing concerns raised by parents about raising fees during lockdown while being fair in schools. He called on the education departments to take on the role of mediator between parents and school and to reach a common ground acceptable to all.
State Government’s take proactive steps
As stated by HRD Minister, several state governments have already taken proactive steps to address the concerns of students and parents about increasing the fees in the current situation. Earlier today, the Delhi government had banned any fee hike for private schools operating in the national capital and ordered them not to pay quarterly fees. Instead, private schools have been asked to remove the lockdown and only charge 1 month tuition until it returns to normal. A similar Odisha government has also requested private schools and agencies to collect remuneration fees during the ongoing crisis. Similarly, Maharashtra Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad also asked the state’s schools to be generous about school fees. The Maharashtra government has also issued a directive on the matter, stating that collection of fees can only be initiated after withdrawal of the school and education lockdown.
