High Court Comes Down Heavily on Pvt Schools’ Levy
Bengaluru: In a far-reaching judgement which is likely to cause a major upheaval in the education sector, the state high court on Tuesday imposed heavy restrictions on charging excess fees and collection of donations by private schools.
Private schools have not only been directed not to collect donations but also asked to display a sign on their premises asserting that no such collection is being made. They have been directed to levy fees only according to the prevailing laws.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Arvind Kumar while disposing of a petition filed by a group of parents. Advocate for the plaintiff arugued that schools like Apollo, New Carmel and Vidya Niketan were charging excess fees. In spite of the parents’ complaints against them to the education authorities, no action was taken by them.
Salient directives in the judgement
1. All schools shall provide the deputy director of public instruction (DDPI) in their respective jurisdictions with the details of their fee structure by or before January 15 every calendar year.
2. The fee structure should be displayed on the notice board by or before January 15.
3. A notification that no fees other than the fees mentioned therein are payable should be prominently included in the display.
4. All schools shall submit the details of salaries paid, teaching and non-teaching staff and student strength to the DDPI by or before February 15 every year.
5. If any complaints are received regarding excessive charge, they shall be verified by the fee regulation authorities and a decision shall be taken within a week.