Srinagar, Jan 18: Despite the Committee for Fixation and Regulation of Fees of Private Schools in Jammu and Kashmir (JKFFRC) implementing standardised fee structures for educational institutions, many private schools in the Union Territory continue to impose exorbitant fees, causing frustration and financial strain for parents.
A parent from Jammu shared her recent experience with Rising Kashmir, revealing that her son, enrolled in a CBSE-affiliated school, had already paid the full annual fee in April 2024, only to be asked for the same amount again in the final quarter. “Now the school is asking for the annual fee again and has hiked the fees despite most parents already settling the charge. How can the school justify charging the annual fee twice within a single year?” she said.
Similarly, Zahoor Ahmad, another concerned parent from Srinagar, expressed dissatisfaction with the fees charged by private schools that have not been approved by the Fee Fixation Committee. He noted that many parents are struggling to keep up with these escalating charges. “The Fee Fixation Committee and the Jammu and Kashmir government must take decisive action against these private institutions that are exploiting families under the guise of education. Revoking the licenses of such schools would ensure that all institutions in Jammu and Kashmir follow the fee regulations and provide equitable access to education for all children,” Ahmad stated.
Justice Sunil Hali, Chairman of the JKFFRC, clarified that parents are required to pay the fees established by the committee for private schools. “If the Fee Fixation Committee has approved an increase in the annual fee, parents are obligated to remit that amount to the school. If the committee has reduced any fees, schools are required to refund the excess amount to the students,” he explained.
Justice Hali added that no new grievances have been received regarding fee hikes from private schools. He urged parents to bring forward any issues they may have, ensuring that the committee can address discrepancies and take necessary action against schools violating fee regulations.
“We have addressed all grievances submitted by parents regarding fees in private schools. For schools that have submitted their documentation to the committee, the fees have already been set. Parents are expected to pay only the fees as per the committee’s approval. If any private school charges excessive fees, strict action will be taken in accordance with government regulations,” he concluded.
Despite the committee’s best efforts to standardize and regulate fees, the persistent practice of charging inflated fees by certain private schools remains a significant challenge, leaving parents calling for stronger enforcement of the established fee structure.
