Lucknow: A crucial meeting of the District Fee Regulatory Committee was held under the chairmanship of District Magistrate Vishakh G at the Collectorate auditorium to ensure effective implementation of the Uttar Pradesh Self-Financed Schools (Fee Regulation) Act, 2018 and its 2020 amendment.
Focus on Fee Regulation and Transparency
The committee, constituted under Section 8 of the Act, is responsible for scrutinizing proposed fee hikes by schools, addressing complaints from parents, and ensuring that fee increases remain within prescribed norms. It is also empowered to recommend action in cases of irregularities.
The District Magistrate appointed Additional District Magistrate (Civil Supplies) Jyoti Gautam and the District Inspector of Schools as nodal officers. Parents can approach these officials for grievances related to fee hikes and school practices.
Joint Teams to Probe Complaints
To strengthen enforcement at the district level, joint teams comprising Sub-Divisional Magistrates/Additional City Magistrates and principals of government secondary schools have been formed. These teams will conduct inspections based on complaints and submit timely reports in coordination with the education department.
Mandatory Disclosure of Fee Structure
The DM directed all schools to display complete fee details on their websites and notice boards. Schools have been strictly prohibited from charging any fee beyond the prescribed amount, and collection of capitation fees has been declared completely illegal.
Additionally:
- Issuing proper receipts for every payment has been made mandatory.
- Students cannot be forced to purchase books, uniforms, or other materials from specific shops.
- Schools must submit complete fee details to the District Inspector of Schools’ office.
Limits on Fee Hike and Uniform Policy
Clear guidelines were issued stating that fee hikes for existing students cannot exceed the sum of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) percentage and 5% of the existing fee.
Schools have also been instructed not to change uniforms for at least five academic years to prevent unnecessary financial burden on parents.
Strict Action for Violations
The administration warned that any school found compelling students to buy books, uniforms, or accessories from specific vendors—directly or indirectly—will face strict action. Penalties may include fines of up to ₹5 lakh or cancellation of recognition/NOC.
The DM further directed that schools following the NCERT curriculum must mandatorily use NCERT textbooks for teaching.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism Strengthened
Students, parents, and Parent-Teacher Association members can lodge complaints regarding fee hikes or purchase-related issues. Authorities assured that all complaints will undergo preliminary investigation and appropriate action will be taken as per the law.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the education department, district administration, and other stakeholders, both physically and virtually.
The initiative aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the functioning of private schools across the district.
