Private schools in Mandi face growing backlash over excessive fees; alleged unethical practices

Toseef R Ganai
Poonch: A storm of discontent is brewing among parents and guardians of students at the National Public Higher Secondary School in Alapeer, Mandi, who are voicing serious concerns over the institution’s controversial fee structure. These concerns have intensified due to the school’s practice of charging tuition fees for the winter break months of December, January, and February, a period when no academic instruction is conducted. Parents argue that this practice is not only unjust but also a blatant violation of educational standards, exacerbating the financial strain on families already grappling with the cost of education.
A recent fee receipt, issued on March 17, 2025, revealed that the school had collected ?2610 for the winter months, raising eyebrows among parents. They assert that charging tuition fees for non-instructional periods is both unreasonable and exploitative. In their view, such charges are not only unjustifiable but also an attempt to extract additional funds from parents without providing any educational service during these months.
The issue of exorbitant fees doesn’t end with the winter break charges. Parents have also raised concerns over the school’s annual fee structure, which ranges from ?5,000 to ?10,000 per student. Despite the existence of the Fee Fixation Committee, designed to regulate and standardize school fees, these high charges continue to persist. In addition to this substantial annual fee, the school reportedly continues to demand separate tuition fees, further aggravating parents who feel overwhelmed by the financial burden.
One disgruntled parent, who requested anonymity, shared their frustration: “My children have been attending this school for five years, and every year we’re asked to pay an annual fee. On top of that, we are charged separate tuition fees. There are no provisions for transport or uniforms included, so how can these fees be justified?”
The matter became even more contentious when a parent directly challenged the school administration regarding the winter vacation fees, pointing out that no classes were held during that time. In response, the school authorities reportedly dismissed the complaint with the curt reply, “You will have to pay it.” This response has fueled widespread public outrage, with many parents feeling coerced into paying unreasonable fees without justification.
The growing discontent has prompted many parents to express concerns about the overall operation of private schools in the Mandi Tehsil. There are increasing fears that these institutions are operating primarily as profit-driven businesses rather than centers of learning. Parents accuse these schools of exploiting regulatory loopholes and acting with impunity, as they claim that local educational authorities, such as the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), have failed to ensure proper oversight of private institutions.
In light of these concerns, local residents have formally petitioned the Deputy Commissioner of Poonch and the Chief Education Officer, urging them to intervene and enforce stricter regulations. They are calling for an end to exploitative fee practices and for greater accountability from private educational institutions. Parents are requesting that authorities take immediate action to prevent further financial exploitation and ensure that schools adhere to ethical and legal standards.
As the debate continues, many parents are left feeling that the education system is increasingly inaccessible and unaffordable. The lack of a decisive response from the authorities has left them with no option but to comply with the arbitrary financial demands of these schools. Now, families are hoping for a resolution that will restore transparency, fairness, and ensure that education remains a right, not a commodity for profit.