HC seeks draft on simpler fee structure

The Karnataka High Court has asked the government to prepare a draft policy pertaining to simplification of school fee structure in various private and aided schools.

A division bench headed by acting Chief Justice L Narayana Swamy was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Amrutesh N P, an advocate who had moved the court challenging the non-implementation of a government circular directing all schools to display details pertaining to the school, including fee structure and facilities offered, on their notice boards.

The secretary, Primary and Secondary Education Department, was present before the court as directed by it in the last hearing. He submitted to the court that they were working on simplifying the fee structure for schools and sought for time to submit a response.

The petitioner suggested that the government could work towards implementing a simplified fee structure on an experimental basis in schools in North and South Bengaluru, which have the highest number of schools, after which it can be replicated in other schools. The structure can be adopted for ICSE, CBSE and state board schools.

He had sought for directions to the commissioner, Department of Public Instruction, to implement the circular dated April 13, 2015, and to ensure the display of fee structure on the premises of all private unaided schools and also take action against school managements which fail to implement the same. The court adjourned the hearing to June 23.