Education minister promises action

The monthly tuition fee at Dr D Y Patil School was Rs 350 till last year. This year,it has been increased to Rs 500. The parents allege that state deputy director Sunil Magar has asked them to pay Rs 557.

During the meeting most parents pointed out: “The fees was increased by almost 80% without any justification. After the school authorities asked us to pay the revised amount,why is the Deputy Director asking us to pay an additional amount?”

Apart from increasing the fee,the school has also asked the parents to pay a certain amount every month towards the rent for the school building,said the parents alleging that the school does not practise transparency or cite valid points for charging them the amount.

“As per the rules,the school is supposed to pay an interest of six% on the original cost of construction. But they are charging much more than that,” said Sandeep Chavan,a member of All India Federation of Parent Teacher Association.

Ismat Sayyed,a parent,said,“Apart from the fee hike,there are other issues as well that need to be addressed. We are being charged a fee for development and activity though we cannot see any development taking place in schools.”

The parents also allege that the wards of those who are protesting against the fee hike are being harassed in school. “The school has asked for passport size photos of all parents,” said another parent Ajay Sathe.

President of Forum for Fairness in Education,Jayant B Jain,said,there was an immediate need to educate the parents about their rights. “After the meeting with the director,we went to the police station to acquire a copy of the Prohibition of Capitation Fee Act (1987). According to the Act,schools are not allowed to charge any money other than the tuition,library,term and computer fees. We need to let parents know that they have a right to question if they feel unsure about where their money is going,” said Jain.

However,the meeting with the state education director seemed to instil some hope among parents. “We had a long meeting with the education director and the audit department chief. They noted our grievances. Though we have not been given a particular time,the director has assured that there will be an assessment of the schools. We are ready to pay the fees as long as we get results,” said Sathe.