Don't collect deposits from staff, CBSE tells schools

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CBSE authorities have directed affiliated schools against collecting deposit money from teaching and non-teaching staff. The schools have also been asked not to hold with themselves the original certificate of employees, citing various reasons.

"It has been observed that a few CBSE schools located in the jurisdiction of Thiruvananthapuram region are collecting caution deposits (Rs 1 to 5 lakh) from teachers/employees before/after appointment. Schools are depositing this money in school /trust fund. Some schools have retained original records of staff as security at the time of appointment and have not returned the same even after many years of service. The above is in violation of affiliation bylaws of the board," a communication sent by CBSE regional officer Tarun Kumar said.

"No CBSE school/trust running school will demand (or accept) any caution deposits /security deposit/voluntary deposit/FD/donation from any teacher or employee. The school/trust which have accepted such deposits from the teacher/employee shall refund the same by NEFT/cheque," the CBSE circular dated September 3, 2018, said.

Also, the teacher or employee working in the school do not have to give any request to school for the refund. School management will automatically refund the amount into the bank account of the employees along with next month salary. "No school will expel any teacher/employee who asks for refund of caution money paid by him/her," the communication said.

The circular further said, "No school shall keep the original records of employees/teachers as security. In respect of newly-appointed teachers, original records will be kept by school for a period up to 30 days for verification purpose. In respect of other employees/teachers, school will return the original records immediately."