Srinagar, 22 December (KNB): The Committee for Fixation & Regulation of Fee of Private Schools in Jammu and Kashmir has issued a circular addressing concerns related to the charging of admission fees by private schools in violation of established statutes.
The circular No: 01 FFRC dated 20.12.2023, highlights the growing number of complaints regarding private schools initiating or planning the admission process for the upcoming academic session. Allegations include the unlawful collection of admission fees, with a majority of schools purportedly accepting payments in cash without providing proper receipts.
The Committee refers to Section 20E (1) of the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Act 2002, amended over time, which explicitly restricts private schools from charging any fees other than tuition, annual, transport, and voluntary special purpose fees approved by the Committee.
The circular issues three key instructions to all private schools in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir:
Prohibition on Admission Fee Violations: Private schools are explicitly instructed not to charge admission fees in violation of the established statute.
Consequences for Violations: If a complaint is substantiated against a private school for charging admission fees, it will be considered as having been charged from all students admitted. Legal action will be taken against the school management.
Referral to CBI for Investigation: In cases where schools deny charging admission fees or provide lack of receipt as an excuse, the matter will be referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for inquiry. If the investigation agency reports adversely, the Committee will take legal actions against the school, which may include de-recognition or dis-affiliation.
The circular is signed by Justice Sunil Hali, Chairperson of the Committee for Fixation and Regulation of Fee of Private Schools in Jammu and Kashmir.-KNB