Dhanbad: Private schools in Dhanbad have been directed to provide a detailed breakup of their annual fees and permit parents to pay the amount on a quarterly basis. The directives were issued during a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan with representatives of private schools and parents associations.
Compliance with Jharkhand Education Tribunal Act
The schools were instructed to adhere to the provisions of the Jharkhand Education Tribunal (Amendment) Act of 2017. Deputy Commissioner Ranjan stated that all schools must submit a detailed fees structure to the administration and upload it on their official websites. The fee breakup should also be displayed on school notice boards. Schools must clearly justify the purpose of any development fees and are strictly prohibited from charging re-admission fees.
Quarterly Payment Option and Fee Committee
The district administration emphasized that schools cannot compel parents to pay the annual fees in one lump sum. Instead, parents will have the option to pay the fees quarterly. Additionally, schools must finalize their fee structures in consultation with their internal fee committees to ensure fairness and transparency.
Transparency Measures for Books and Uniforms
To further enhance transparency, schools have been directed to upload details of books, including publisher names, and uniforms by November. Fee details for the upcoming academic session must be uploaded by January. Importantly, schools cannot change uniforms before five years or alter the prescribed book list once published. This move aims to provide stability and reduce financial burden on parents.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Deputy Commissioner Ranjan asked all school managements to comply with the directives and set up a five-member committee to carry out inspections. Institutes found violating the directives will be penalized Rs 50,000. The administration has also barred schools from selling books and uniforms within their premises or through designated vendors. This step is expected to encourage open market competition, giving parents access to more affordable options.
Submission of Audit Reports and Staff Details
Schools have been asked to submit their audit reports for the past year, bank account statements, and details of their management committees. Information about teaching staff, including pay scales, must also be published online to ensure accountability.
Concern Over BPL Quota Admissions
The administration expressed concern over low admissions under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) quota and reiterated that 25% of seats must be reserved for economically weaker sections. This directive aims to promote inclusive education.
Parent Reactions
Welcoming the decisions, Mukesh Pandey, a parent, said that while implementation may be challenging, sincere efforts by the administration could greatly benefit students and parents alike. He expressed hope that the new measures would bring much-needed transparency and relief to families.
