Karnataka schools charge 'exorbitant' fees to offset losses

The government’s order to slash school fees is proving costly for parents looking to get admissions for their children for next year.

Several private unaided schools in the state have increased fees by 30% to 50%, though they are allowed to increase the fees by only 15% every year.

Some of the parents who approached the schools seeking admissions for the next academic year, especially for kindergarten and class 1, were shocked by the exorbitant fees.

“We approached at least six schools in Bengaluru South and were shocked to know the fees have been increased by 40% compared to the previous academic year,” said Girisha G R, a parent.

Asha B Raju, another parent, said, “We sought admission to kindergarten for our younger child in the same school where his brother is studying. The fee structure was shocking as it has gone up by almost 50%.”

The parents are worried as the committees formed by the department of public instruction to address complaints on fees are not taking complaints pertaining to the next academic year.

B A Yogananda, general secretary of RTE Students Parents Association, said, “the government should release the calendar for the next academic year and direct schools not to increase the fees beyond 15%.”

“School managements are trying to recover 30% fee cut this academic year in the next year’s fees. Some schools are openly telling this to parents,” Yogananda said.

The schools are charging more for maintenance than tuition fees.

D Shashi Kumar, general secretary of Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka, said, “The school managements are allowed to increase the fee by 15% every year and if it is beyond that, parents can take a call.”

The government recently issued an order reducing the tuition fees by 30% for the current academic year, considering the pandemic situation and financial crisis of parents. This decision did not go down well with school management and they have approached the High Court.