Schools warned against demanding term fees

As complaints pour in from parents over schools affiliated to the CBSE, ICSE and the state board demanding fees and donations from students for the 2020-21 academic year, the state government has warned of legal consequences, including criminal cases.

Several private education institutions have been insisting on payment of fees in April and May, and sending reminders to parents through SMSes, warning of fines for delayed payments. The Department of Public Instruction, after getting complaints from parents, has taken the issue seriously. On Monday, the government issued a circular saying that the admission process and collection of fees for the year 2020-21 for students continuing in the same school not be demanded till further orders.

If any school violates the government order, a criminal case will be filed against the school?s governing body. Education Minister Suresh Kumar has directed school boards to take strict action to cancel the accreditation of such schools.

Suresh Kumar said, “There are complaints that some private schools have already begun the 2020-21 fee collection, creating an unwanted problem for parents. Against this backdrop, the enrollment process for 2020-21 has been postponed.”

The minister added that teachers have been advised not to leave their place of work during this period and to complete their assignments.

Suresh Kumar did a Facebook live. See the clip…