Ganderbal, Dec 16: A Private school in Ganderbal is under scrutiny for allegedly charging exorbitant admission fees, despite clear government orders prohibiting such practices. Parents have raised serious concerns over violations, with one parent, Tariq Khanday, highlighting his ordeal during a press conference.
Khanday alleged that despite the directives issued by the Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) and reiterated by Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo, private schools continue to demand hefty fees during the admission process. Citing his own experience, Khanday claimed that Hilltop Educational School in Ganderbal asked him to give Rs 65,000 as part of the admission process for his daughter, violating the guidelines.
“I have proof of their demands,” Khanday stated during the press conference. He described how he was asked to provide payment after an interaction with school authorities, which he claims is against the guidelines. “There is no need for an interaction as per the rules. Yet, they conducted one and then demanded an exorbitant amount,” he said.
Khanday also revealed that he approached the Director of School Education and the Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Ganderbal with his complaint but received no satisfactory response. “If both the Education Minister and the Directorate of School Education have issued clear instructions against charging admission fees, why are parents like me being compelled to pay?” he questioned.
Efforts to get a response from the principal of Hilltop Educational School in Ganderbal were unsuccessful. He did not respond to any calls and messages. Similarly, attempts to contact Minister Sakina Itoo also failed, as her phone remained switched off.
In July of this year, the then Director of School Education, Tasaduq Hussain, had emphasized that strict action would be taken against schools violating the guidelines. The Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) had also issued clear directives prohibiting private schools from charging admission fees.
Despite these measures, Tariq Khanday, a Parent allege that the rules continue to be flouted with impunity. They are now urging authorities to intervene and ensure that such practices are stopped immediately.
