In Ahmedabad, seven private schools have been fined between ₹5,000 and ₹25,000 by the Fee Regulatory Committee. This action follows complaints regarding schools charging excessive fees without proper approval.
The Fee Regulatory Committee was set up to determine the fee structure for private schools. Schools are required to submit affidavits if they charge fees lower than the approved rates. Those charging more need to apply for permission.
An investigation by the committee revealed that some schools had submitted the same details in their affidavits for the current year as they did in previous years. During hearings, it was disclosed that many schools have been collecting higher fees for the past two to three years or even longer.
As a result, the committee began action against these schools. Some institutions failed to submit their affidavits on time, contributing to the penalties.
The highest fines were imposed on two schools: Satyak Academic English School and Shri Shiv Shishu Vihar School in Ramol, both fined ₹25,000. Tejas Vidyalay and Little Bird School in Bopal received fines of ₹10,000 each, while Sagar Primary School in Naroda was fined ₹5,000.
Additionally, JP Primary School in Dariyapur was fined ₹8,000, and Vikas Primary School in Vatva received a ₹5,000 fine. Swaminarayan International School in Gandhinagar and Surya Varasani Academy in Kutch were both fined ₹15,000.
In a related issue, the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) has demanded that the sports complex at Gujarat University should be managed by the university’s sports cell instead of a private entity. Recently, a petition was submitted to the university’s Vice-Chancellor stating that the sports complex, built at a cost of crores, is not benefiting students because it is being managed by a private company.
The ABVP has urged that the private company be removed from managing the sports complex, allowing students who need it to access the facilities appropriately. They emphasize that students should be able to take full advantage of the investments made in sports infrastructure.
These events highlight ongoing issues surrounding school fees and the management of educational resources in Gujarat. The government’s strict regulations aim to ensure fair practices in education, and the actions taken by the Fee Regulatory Committee serve as a reminder to schools about compliance with the fee structure regulations.
As the academic year progresses, parents and students are advised to stay informed about their rights regarding school fees and the services provided by educational institutions. The Fee Regulatory Committee’s actions demonstrate a commitment to protecting the interests of students and ensuring transparency in school fee structures.
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