Govt tells two pvt schools to roll back fee hike

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Tuesday directed two private schools to rollback their 'arbitrary' fee hike and also derecognised another school for not providing free uniforms and books. None of the three schools could not be reached for comments.

"Delhi government has taken a strong note over arbitrary fee hike and other violations by some private schools. The action comes after parents of students studying in these schools met the Chief Minister, during Janta Samvad at the CM's residence," said an official.

The government had received complaints against Mahavir Senior Model School in Sangam Park, RP Bagh and Queen Mary's Public School, Model Town III, that they arbitrarily hiked the fee.

"The government took strong note of the complaints of arbitrary fee hike in violation of the judgement of the Supreme Court and also directions of the Education department," said the official.

The Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed these schools to immediately roll back the fee hike and refund the fee to the parents or guardians of the students, with immediate effect, otherwise the government will take action.

Talking about another complaint, the official said, "A complaint was lodged before the Chief Minister against a private school, Victor Public School, Maujpur, that the school was not providing free uniforms, books and other stationeries to the students belonging to the EWS category."

"The school was directed by the DoE to provide books and uniforms as per norms, but it defied the directions and did not comply. The school has now been served with a de-recognition notice for violating norms related to the EWS or DG category," he added.

On Wednesday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "For the first time in the country, schools are being disciplined. They are not being allowed to hike fees arbitrarily. Many schools are being made to return hiked fees. Because there is an honest government in Delhi."

In another complaint submitted to the CM, parents informed claimed that a higher fee was charged by Bal Bharti Public School, Pitampura, in the name of the implementation of the seventh pay commission. The school was asked to clarify its position by the CM's office.

"Bal Bharti Public School, in its reply, said that it has not increased any fee during the year 2016-17 and 2017-18. It said that all extra funds collected have been kept separately and would be adjusted," the official said.