Govt steps into curb donations in pvt schools

The Department of Public Instruction has issued a circular on curbing donation menace at private schools during admissions.

“Private schools charging more than the required fees has become a worrying issue among the public,” the circular notes. To curb the menace, the schools have been asked to make their fee structure public and to create awareness among parents about it.

The circular also notes that private schools were increasing fees two to three times a year and taking donations in huge amounts. District-level education officials and block education officers have been directed to take serious note of such instances and initiate action, if complaints are lodged.

The recommendations on the regulation of fees in private unaided schools that was compiled on May 20 and which was supposed to be submitted on Wednesday to the High Court will now be submitted on June 3.  A HC order in February had directed the Department to hold a seminar of stakeholders.