JAIPUR: Parents and schools on Thursday objected to the new fee order issued by the state government.
The Directorate of Secondary Education, Bikaner, on Wednesday reduced school fees on the basis of reduced syllabus. School authorities said the move was unreasonable.
Ashok Vaid, the principal of MPS, Jawahar Nagar, said the order was filled with ambiguities. “At first, the order states that we can charge 60% or 70% fees, but pay full salary to the staff. How is this possible? There are many schools where there is no bifurcation of fees as the entire amount is considered to be tuition fees. Such schools will benefit. This order is not giving any relief to parents or teachers,” Vaid said.
President of All Rajasthan Parents’ Forum Sunil Yadav said this was completely against the relief they were seeking for.
“They have removed their staff, teacher salaries have been cut and they have to bear no expense for other facilities. There is so much confusion regarding the capacity building fees. Government needs to clarify about the need of capacity building fees,” said Yadav.
Director of Secondary Education Sourabh Swami clarified that they had issued orders earlier that online classes are not for completion of syllabus but just to clear the concept and build the capacity of the student for which schools can charge.
Archana Mankotia, principal of Maharani Gayatri Devi School, said this was a very vague term. “Concept clearing is just a part of the studies. It like a play-off with words as this happens any ways. Through online classes, schools are completing the syllabus as many parents will not send their wards after school reopens. Schools have invested a lot in online classes and many webinars are being conducted and teachers have been trained for it. The order is confusing,” said Mankotia.
Sanyukt Abhibhavak Samiti spokesperson Abhishek Jain said they would take up the matter with the high court for clarification. “Many schools do not have fee committee or bifurcation of fee structure. Many schools have increased fees this year despite government’s order. This order is very confusing that will eventually generate tussle between parents and schools,” said Jain.