Jharkhand Government Takes Action Against 78 Private Schools in East Singhbhum for Fee Increases
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Synopsis
The Jharkhand government has taken steps to regulate private schools in East Singhbhum, issuing notices to 78 institutions for fee hikes and other violations. The Education Department emphasizes strict adherence to regulations, warning of substantial fines for non-compliance.
Key Takeaways
- Jharkhand government acts against private school fee hikes.
- 78 schools in East Singhbhum receive notices.
- Fines between Rs 50,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh for violations.
- Re-admission fees and exclusive book purchases criticized.
- Fee determination committees mandated by law.
Ranchi, April 2 (NationPress) The Jharkhand government is taking decisive measures against the arbitrary actions of private schools. School Education Department Minister Ramdas Soren has instructed the department to address complaints regarding fee increases, the collection of fees disguised as re-admission charges, and the pressure on parents to purchase books solely from specified vendors.
Minister Soren cautioned that institutions that do not adhere to the government's regulations could incur fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh.
In response to these directives, the Education Department has sent notices to 78 private schools in East Singhbhum (Jamshedpur) for potential breaches of government protocols.
School authorities are required to reply by April 3 to the notices issued by the District Education Officer and the District Education Superintendent.
Referring to the Jharkhand Education Tribunal (Amendment) Act, 2017, the notices highlight that school facilities should be utilized exclusively for educational purposes. Institutions have been warned against coercing parents and students into purchasing books, uniforms, or supplies via school-organized events.
Despite existing regulations, there have been reports of schools misusing their facilities to sell books. Furthermore, numerous institutions have allegedly raised fees against the established guidelines for the new academic year.
The Education Department has mandated that private school managements present documentation of their fee structures and any increases over the last three years. It has also noted that the duration for school-level fee determination committees is three years, yet some schools have not complied with this requirement.
Minister Soren has indicated that communications have been dispatched to all district Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, instructing them to ensure the establishment of fee determination committees in accordance with the Jharkhand Education Tribunal (Amendment) Act, 2017.
Each school-level fee determination committee will include the principal, secretary, three teachers appointed by the school management, and four parents selected by the teachers' union. Schools are required to provide a minimum of one week’s notice before any meetings or decisions regarding fees, as per the new regulations.
