jj correspondent
Jammu, Apr 11: Taking cognizance of complaints received from various quarters related to enhanced the annual charges and tuition fees without the approval of Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) and purchase of textbooks, stationery items, school uniforms etc from a particular shop, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Avny Lavasa on Tuesday asked the private schools to adhere to the guidelines issued by the Directorate School Education.
In an order issued, Lavasa stated that it has been brought to the notice of her office that with the commencement of new academic session in schools for 2023-24, some private schools are demanding annual charges and admission fee and other charges besides the tuition fee and have also enhanced the annual charges and tuition fees without the approval of Fee Fixation andRegulation Committee (FFRC).
“The complaints have also been received against private schools regarding purchase of textbooks, stationery items, school uniforms etc from a particular shop and certain schools are resorting to illegal practice of putting extra financial burden on parents, by specifying the purchase of books not prescribed by the Board to which the school is affiliated,” she said in an order adding that some from parents also complaint regarding denial of admission to their wards in class first on the plea that the age is less than six years.
It is noted that Rule 8A of School Education Rules, 2010 prescribes the duties of the Head of Schools in context of weight of school bags while detailed guidelines and directions have been issued to regulate the weight of school bags, with penal provisions in cases of non compliance by the schools concerned.
Referring to the circular issued by the Directorate School Education, Jammu, the Deputy Commissioner directed the private schools to ensure they do not indulge in illegal practices and strictly abide by the laws and regulations.
She however, ordered that any grievance against the private schools on the concerns should be reported to the EOC helpline number: 0191-2571912/2571616, Sub District Magistrates are directed to ensure timely and speedy disposal of the grievances received in their offices on priority.
The District Head also directed to provide necessary assistance to the special monitoring teams constituted by the Chief Education Officer, Jammu and deploy duty magistrates as per the requirements.
Notably, the Directorate of School Education, Jammu (DSEJ) on April 6 issued instructions to private schools on charging tuition fee and purchase of books for the 2023-24 academic year.
Director School Education Jammu, Dr. Ravi Shanker Sharma, said that orders passed by the committee for Fixation and Regulation of Fee of private schools shall be deemed to have been duly passed by a public servant and its violation or non-compliance shall amount to disobedience, the private schools shall not charge any fee from the students or guardians, except tuition fee, annual fee, transport fee and voluntary special purpose fee such as the picnic, tour and excursions, etc. completely voluntary in nature or any other fee as may be approved by the Committee For Fixation And Regulation of Fee of private schools after following the procedure prescribed and any person or private school which contravenes the directions, shall be liable to a fine of not less than Rs.50,000/- for first offence and Rs one lakh for every subsequent offence including recommendation for disaffiliation of such private school by the committee.
He also asked all Chief Education Officers to constitute special monitoring teams headed by Deputy Chief Education Officers and Zonal Education Officers and verify the complaints received on account of sale of books and uniforms by the private schools or pressing parents for purchase from any particular shop and action taken shall be submitted to the Directorate on a monthly basis. UNI
