FFC asks parents to file written complaints for action
TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, (TDD)Parents across Kashmir have expressed outrage over the steep hike in transport fees imposed by several private schools, even during winter vacations.
Institutions such as Delhi Public School, Burn Hall School, Presentation Convent, and Iqbal Memorial Institute have come under fire for demanding additional payments despite the closure of schools during the harsh winter months.
Mushtaq Ahmad, a parent, voiced his frustration, saying, “Why are we being forced to pay for transport services when schools are closed for winter vacations? This is pure exploitation, and it needs to stop.”
Another parent, Saima Jan, lamented the lack of intervention: “The government and regulatory authorities like the Fee Fixation Committee must take this issue seriously. Schools are taking undue advantage of parents, and there seems to be no mechanism to hold them accountable.”
Altaf Wani, whose child studies at Burn Hall School, added, “We are already struggling with rising expenses and economic challenges. Forcing parents to pay these exorbitant fees without justification is unfair and insensitive.”
Some parents have also pointed out that schools are not consulting them before revising fees and are arbitrarily imposing these hikes.
Responding to the growing concerns, the Fee Fixation Committee (FFC) has clarified its stance, stating that it cannot initiate action against the schools unless it receives formal written complaints from parents.
An official from the FFC remarked, “We understand the grievances of parents, but we urge them to come forward with written complaints so we can investigate the matter. If schools are found to be charging extra fees unjustly, we will take strict action against them.”
The FFC emphasized its commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in the fee structures of private schools but reiterated that parents must actively report such violations.
Meanwhile, parents are calling for immediate government intervention to curb the growing trend of arbitrary fee hikes and to ensure that schools operate within the framework of established guidelines. Many have demanded that the FFC and the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) conduct audits to identify such malpractices and penalize institutions that exploit parents. (TDD)