A protest march was organised here on Sunday by parents miffed with the “unjustified” fee hike and “illegal” charges brought in by school managements. The parents’ associations, which represented all prominent schools in Gurugram and Faridabad, have sought a State-level policy on the matter.
The march, which saw heavy police presence, was organised under the aegis of All-India Parents’ Forum for Education.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
‘Make future, not money’
ADVERTISEMENT
The parents alleged that a few schools had held back results of their wards and not promoted them because of a legal battle waged against them.
Holding placards that read “Make Future, Not Money” and “Stop Fee Hike”, the parents gathered near the Mini Secretariat here around noon. Later, they marched to the official residence of Divisional Commissioner D. Suresh to submit a memorandum.
Rajesh Dhingra, one of the parents, said that he had come with his wife after receiving a message about the protest. “We have been protesting against the fee hike for the past two years, but it has failed to produce results. It is getting difficult for the middle class to afford quality education. The government seems least bothered,” said Mr. Dhingra.
ADVERTISEMENT
Another protester Deepak Kataria said that schools were forcing parents to purchase uniforms, books and stationery at rates higher than the market price. He claimed that no action was being taken in this regard despite complaints to the CM’s window. Even court orders were being flouted by schools, said the protesters.
Submitting a memorandum to Divisional Commissioner D. Suresh and Additional Chief Secretary (Education) P.K. Das, the protesters demanded inspection and audit of accounts of private unaided schools, prevention of diversion of funds, abolition of funds not recommended by CBSE by-laws, prohibition of sale of stationery and uniform in schools, and implementation of Rule 134-A.
Divisional Commissioners across Haryana will meet on April 5 to discuss the matter.