Fee regulation committee worried over legal scrutiny

Report may be challenged in court and a stay order may be issued

Contentious issue: The Professor Tirupathi Rao Committee is likely to recommend that the government be strict with donations to schools.

Parents waiting for the final report of the Professor Tirupathi Rao Committee on regulating school fee may be disappointed, as the government is worried that the report may be challenged in court and a stay order may be issued, diluting its purpose.

The report has been sent for legal opinion, with some raising concerns that the school managements may move court seeking a stay order, and only a comprehensive Act passed by the State Legislature may withstand legal challenges. The report is to be submitted to the government on May 29.

Former Osmania University Vice-Chancellor Tirupathi Rao, who is heading the committee, told

The Hindu that legal opinion is being sought as some officials have raised concerns that the entire effort may go waste if there are any loopholes. “We have sent the report for legal opinion. We will make certain modifications based on it to ensure it withstands legal scrutiny,” he said.

Fears emerge from the fact that similar efforts were challenged by the affected parties and were struck down by the court on technical grounds.

Favouring parents

However, the recommendations are likely to be in favour of parents and at the same time protect the interest of school managements. The committee is likely to recommend the government to be strict with donations and commercial activities like making parents purchase uniforms, books, and stationary from the school.

The District Fee Regulation Committee (DFRC) — to be headed by a retired Judge, a chartered accountant, and a reputed academician as members — may face hurdles like the number of schools under it and the time frame given to submit reports for each school.

Prof. Tirupathi Rao’s committee has taken serious view of the violation of ratio of funds raised through school fee. As per existing norms, 50% of the total funds are to be earmarked for salaries, 15% each for maintenance, development and welfare of employees, and only 5% for management expenses. However, no school has been following this sincerely.

Professor Rao agreed that the ratios have to be re-examined. Parents have been arguing that schools are making profits and diverting funds to their other businesses. Even donations collected under the development fund are being used for other purposes.