Parents demand action as private schools in Srinagar charge arbitrary transport fees

Srinagar, Jan 07: Several private schools in Srinagar are facing growing criticism from parents over what they describe as arbitrary transport fees. Parents allege that schools are charging a flat transport fee regardless of the distance travelled, with some institutions demanding substantial amounts for relatively short routes. Many parents argue that such fees are unjustifiable and place undue financial strain on families already struggling with the high costs of private education.
One parent from Soura, who has a child attending a prominent private school in Pantha Chowk, stated, “I am paying Rs 3,000 for transport, while other schools charge significantly less for routes of a similar distance. There needs to be some regulation to ensure that transport fees are fair and based on actual distance.”
Javed Iqbal, another parent, from the Bemina area, echoed similar concerns, adding, “The transport fees are increasing every year, but the distance my child travels hasn’t changed. It’s frustrating to see no transparency in how these charges are determined.” The disparity in transport charges has raised concerns, with parents calling for a standardization of the fees to ensure fairness.
Adding to the issue is the fact that schools continue to charge transport fees during the winter break when buses do not operate. Several parents have expressed dissatisfaction over being asked to pay the transport fee despite the lack of bus services during this winter break. This directive, mandated by the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC), has drawn sharp criticism from parents and associations, who argue that it is unreasonable to charge for services that are not being rendered.
Masooda Firdous, a parent from Rajbagh, said, “It makes no sense to charge bus fees when the schools are shut. These charges are unfair and must be stopped.”
Rukhsana, another parent, from the Hyderpora area, expressed similar sentiments, stating, “The buses don’t operate during the break, but the fees remain the same. It feels unfair to be charged for something we don’t even use. The authorities need to reconsider this practice.”
Khurshid Khoja, President of the Parents Association of Private Schools Kashmir (PAPSK), said, “Parents are already facing significant financial strain due to the cost of private education, and imposing transport fees in winter only adds to this burden. Moreover, many private schools are charging arbitrary transport fees, and we urge the government to step in. It’s crucial that the government sets standardized rates for these services, just as it does for public transport.”
In response to these concerns, Justice (retd) Sunil Hali, Chairperson of the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC), defended the winter transport fees, explaining that ongoing operational costs, including driver salaries and vehicle maintenance, continue during the season. He also emphasized that buses cannot remain entirely out of service during school vacations.
Addressing the issue of arbitrary transport charges by private schools, he stated that the committee would act only upon receiving formal complaints from parents. “We have not yet received any official complaints. As soon as we do, we will take swift action. We urge parents to submit their complaints along with the fee receipts,” he added.
Rising Kashmir also attempted to contact G N Var, President of the Private Schools’ Association J&K, for insights on the issue; however, he remained unavailable for comment.
In December 2024, Jammu and Kashmir’s Education Minister, Sakina Masood (Itoo), had also issued a strong warning to private schools against violating government norms, particularly concerning fee hikes. She emphasized that strict action would be taken against institutions found in violation of these regulations.
“In case any private schools are working against the rules and norms framed by the government, the concerned authorities will examine and take action against those institutions,” Sakina had said.
As parents continue to voice their concerns, the demand for fair and transparent transport fees grows. For now, they hope that authorities will take swift action to address the issue and alleviate the financial burden.