Ahmedabad school returns post-dated cheques of annual fee to parents
As per the Gujarat Self-Financed Schools (Regulations of Fees) Act 2017, the schools can only take fee of one quarter a decision on their fee structure by the fee regulatory committees.
Calorx Public School in Ghatlodia has started returning to parents the post-dated cheques that it collected in March to encash annual fee of over Rs 31,000. The Indian Express on June 19 had reported that several schools, including Calorx, already charging higher than the stipulated limit in the newly enacted fee regulation Act, collected the entire annual school fee in the form of post-dated cheques.
As per the Gujarat Self-Financed Schools (Regulations of Fees) Act 2017, the schools can only take fee of one quarter a decision on their fee structure by the fee regulatory committees. “On Wednesday, the school principal asked us to take back the remaining three post-dated cheques. We have been asked to collect the cheques before July 1. Also, they have promised to return the excess amount of fee for the quarter deposited by us in case the FRC decided to lower the existing school fee,” said a parent, who visited the school on Wednesday.
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The school has also said that parents were free to pay the remaining fee whenever they wish and the school would not force them for the same, shared another parent.
The Indian Express had reported that while the parents have already deposited four post-dated cheques, of which one quarter fee was already been encashed, they were being asked to pay another installment.
School spokesperson Unmesh Dixit said: “Some parents approached Calorx Public School, Ghatlodia. The school management is waiting for government instructions for next quarter fees payment.” He, however, declined to comment on the return of cheques. As per the fee circular (2017-18) circulated among parents, Calorx Public School had asked them to pay Rs 7,838 as “tuition fee and annual charges” quarterly, demanding four post dated cheques for April, July, October and January 2018. The late fee of Rs 300 per month for tuition and the transport fee were being charged separately.
As per the current fee structure, Calorx Public School charges Rs 500 for admission forms and Rs 2,000 as processing and documentation fee — in addition to the one-time admission fee of Rs 21,500 (includes 19,000 non-refundable admission fee and Rs 2500 refundable caution money). For existing students, the annual school fee is Rs 31,300 for pre-primary to Class V.
Ritu Sharma is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express' Gujarat bureau, an editorial position that reflects her experience and Authority in regional journalism. With over a decade of concentrated reporting experience, she is a highly Trustworthy and specialized journalist, especially noted for her Expertise in the education sector across Gujarat and previously Chandigarh.
Expertise
Primary Authority (Education): With over ten years of dedicated reporting on education in both Gujarat and Chandigarh, Ritu Sharma is a foremost authority on educational policy, institutional governance, and ground realities from "KG to PG." Her coverage includes:
Higher Education: In-depth scrutiny of top institutions like IIM-Ahmedabad (controversies over demolition/restoration of heritage architecture), IIT-Bombay (caste discrimination issues), and new initiatives like international branch campuses in GIFT City.
Schooling & Policy: Detailed coverage of government schemes (Gyan Sadhana School Voucher Scheme), the implementation and impact of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, teacher recruitment issues, and the impact of national policies like the NEP.
Student Welfare: Reporting on critical issues such as suicide allegations due to caste discrimination, and the challenges faced by students (e.g., non-delivery of NAMO tablets). ... Read More
