Private schools must adhere to the fee structure set and approved by the ‘Committee for Fixation and Regulation of Fees of Private Schools. In case of any private school charging exorbitant fees, parents should approach the committee to get their grievances resolved. In an exclusive interview with Rising Kashmir Correspondent, Arif Rashid, Justice Sunil Hali, Chairperson of the ‘Committee for Fixation and Regulation of Fees of Private Schools’, emphasized that this committee is dedicated to ensuring that private schools do not overcharge and work towards the benefit and welfare of parents.
Q The New Academic session has already begun in Jammu and Kashmir, some private schools are charging exorbitant fees, what would you like to say?
We have already issued a circular for all the private schools of Jammu and Kashmir in this regard. Any alterations to the fee structure must receive prior approval from the Committee before implementation.
For schools whose files are currently being processed by the Committee, they are instructed to continue charging the same tuition fee, annual fee, and transport fee as they were in March 2024. If the Committee decides to enhance the fee structure based on their evaluation of the school’s records, parents and students will be required to pay the difference. Conversely, if the Committee reduces the fee structure, the school management must refund or adjust the excess amount.
Q What are the types of fees fixed and approved for all the Private schools in Jammu and Kashmir.
We have fixed three types of the fees for all the Private schools which includes tuition fee, annual fee, and transport fee. Schools that do not offer transportation services to students are not permitted to collect transportation fees from them.
Q Most of the schools are charging other fees like library fees, computer fees and sports fees, has the committee approved these?
Private schools charge tuition fees to students, with 70 to 80 percent of the funds allocated towards teachers’ salaries and other expenses. These schools offer a range of services such as smart classrooms, swimming pools, air conditioning, and internet facilities. The fees are determined and approved by a committee before being charged to students. All these services and facilities are provided to the students and it is the Annual fees through which the school also ensues other facilities.
Q How does the fee fixation committee fix fees for the private schools?
Rule 7 mandates the establishment of a fixed fee structure for private schools in Jammu and Kashmir. Prior to finalizing the fee, it is essential to thoroughly evaluate all relevant factors.
Q How could the parents from far-flung areas approach you?
We have e-mail IDs and websites available through which parents can approach us and can raise their grievances on this platform.
You have directed all private schools of JandK to constitute the Parents association in every school. What is the purpose of this association?
It is mandatory for all the private schools of Jammu and Kashmir to constitute the Parents association into every school through which the representative of the parents can raise all the grievances to the school management. In-case the school management fails to resolve the issues of the parents, the parents association can approach us through which we can call the school to get it resolved. We have also received various complaints from the parents against the private schools while most of the grievances have been resolved. We have also issued a proper notice to these private schools.
Q What kind of message do you have for parents of children studying in private schools?
The parents must ask the private schools to display the fee structure that has been approved by the committee. It is compulsory for the parents to pay the fees to the schools as per the committee’s approval. If any school is charging exorbitant fees, the parents must come forward with evidence so that the committee can take necessary action against those private schools that have not implemented the fee fixation committee’s orders.
Q Many are resorting to social media to raise their grievances. Do you take any kind of action against them ?
The parents must approach the committee in order to resolve their grievances. There are numerous self styled social activists whose children are not studying in private schools but they are also raising grievances across social media platforms. The fee fixation committee is actively addressing the issues raised by parents and ensuring their resolution. We are also taking appropriate action against private schools that have received complaints from parents. Unfortunately, some individuals are making false allegations against the Director of the School Education department and the Fee Fixation Committee on social media platforms. It is the responsibility and duty of every parent to report their grievances to the committee.
Q How can parents file grievances to the committee
At present, parents have three available options to address their grievances: the website, email, and filing an application in person at the office. The most preferable option for parents is to personally visit the office and submit their application to the fee fixation committee. We have not received any grievances that are being raised on social media platforms. Only a small percentage, around 2 to 3 percent, of grievances are being received from parents. One possible reason for this is that parents are selecting schools based on their own preferences. This committee also ensures that private schools do not overcharge parents and work in the best interest of the parents.
