Srinagar.June 13: The Committee for Fixation and Regulation of Fee of Private Schools in Jammu and Kashmir (JKFFRC) has instructed all private schools throughout the Union Territory to refrain from charging admission fees or any additional amounts that are not authorized by law.
In an interview with Rising Kashmir, Justice Sunil Hali, Chairperson of the JKFFRC said that the committee is establishing the fee structure for all private schools, regardless of whether they are affiliated with JKBOSE or CBSE, for a duration of three years. After this three-year period, the fee fixation committee will review the files of private schools, which will expire on different dates. Subsequently, the committee will revise these files and set the fee structure for the private schools for the following three years in accordance with the law.
“This year, we have established fee for nearly 1,000 private schools in Jammu and Kashmir. The fee fixation committee determines the fee based on various factors, and after considering these factors, the committee may increase the fee by up to 7% for the next three years,” Hali remarked.
He added, “We have also directed all private schools to raise teachers’ salaries by up to 10 percent annually. We are also monitoring the schools’ expenses and the facilities provided to students. The fee is determined based on these parameters.
“There are more than 5,000 private schools in Jammu and Kashmir. There is a proper regulation for the fee fixation of private schools after completing a three-year period. Parents prefer to send their children to private schools, as these institutions rely on generating their own revenue,” the Chairperson stated.
He said that that if any private schools are charging excessively high fees from students or parents, which have not been established by the committee, the parents must approach the committee and provide accurate information regarding their grievances, as these issues will be resolved in a short period of time.
“Private schools set their own fees; it is our responsibility and duty to regulate these fees. We are examining their records and audit reports, which are certified by chartered accountants. After reviewing all parameters, the fee fixation committee decides whether the fees will be increased or decreased. In some instances, we have also reduced the fees of private schools after thorough examination by the committee. The fees are established after all members review the files of the private schools,” Justice Hali said.
He pointed out that this practice constitutes a clear violation of the law. According to the proviso to Section 20E(1) of the amended J&K School Education Act, “Private schools shall not charge in any manner, any other fee including admission fees or any amount, by whatever name called, other than the fees specified above.”
Justice Hali stressed that such violations necessitate strict legal action against the offending institutions. To address this exploitation, he encouraged parents and students to report such practices via email at [email protected] or through the official contact numbers 0194-4034841 and 0191-2956990. He assured that the identity of those who report will be kept confidential.
