Mamata irked over hefty donations being charged by pvt schools

Expressing concern over the hefty donations being demanded by private schools, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said, "The private schools are providing students with a good education but some of them are demanding large donations. This system should be regulated and brought under checks."

Banerjee also stated that she would ask the state Education minister Partha Chatterjee to hold a meeting with authorities of private schools after the completion of Madhyamik and Higher Secondary examinations. "These school authorities must follow proper guidelines," she added.

In response to the Chief Minister's orders, Chatterjee said, "I will soon hold a meeting with the school authorities to discuss the issue."

There was an apprehension in political circles that Banerjee after holding a meeting with school authorities on 22 February would come up with some regulations to regulate them.

Several ministers have received complaints about the financial functioning of these private schools. Also, every year after the session ends, these schools charge a huge admission fee. "Many of the private schools have abnormally hiked their fees," said sources.

The state government has virtually no control over these private schools. These schools have also been accused asking students' to fork out a huge amount by way of a 'development fee'.

According to ministers, the Chief Minister had expressed her concern over the issue. She had also alleged the private engineering colleges were doing the same.

"The amount charged is beyond the means of the middle-class people. If this is the scenario, where will our boys and girls study?", Banerjee had asked a minister in private.

Senior state government officials said, "The state government is likely to come up with an Act which would suggest certain guidelines to govern private institutions. Also, the schools are becoming increasingly business-minded." The officials also stated that though these institutions do not lack in quality but there must be some regulations imposed on them.