In a bid to identify private schools that are not complying with the Department of Public Instruction’s new fee structure formula, the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has urged parents to submit complaints to them.
The new fee structure policy came into effect for the 2018-2019 academic year. Y. Mariswamy, in-charge chairperson of the KSCPCR, said that several parents had complained about schools collecting fees over and above the formula fixed by the department. The Commission has already initiated hearings for these cases.
Mr. Mariswamy added that although the District Education Regulatory Authority (DERA), headed by the Deputy Commissioner, is the grievance redressal authority in this matter, the Commission was trying to act as an intermediary as none of the parents are coming forward to lodge a complaint with the DERA. “Complaints can be anonymous but parents must submit documents that could add value to their case,” he said.
As per the fee structure policy that came into effect for the 2018-2019 academic year, apart from recurring costs, the additional fees that can be sought by a school differs with each location, and ranges from 70% in gram panchayat and town panchayat limits to almost 100% in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike areas.
The fee structure is applicable to State board schools, those affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education, and Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations.
Parent associations are requesting the Commission and the Education Department to conduct surprise inspections and check the books of records of school managements.
Prathiksha S., whose children study in a CBSE school in Bengaluru, said, “Although schools are mandated to put up their fee structure on notice boards, a majority do not follow this rule but no action is initiated against them. If the fees are displayed, it will bring some accountability,” she said.
