The revision committee in Ahmedabad has delivered a significant verdict, rejecting the appeals of three prominent private schools seeking permission to charge higher fees. The panel has firmly upheld the fee structures set by the Fee Regulatory Committee (FRC), dealing a blow to the institutions' plans.
Appeals Dismissed, FRC Order Upheld
The three schools involved are Zydus School in Godhavi, Tapovan School in Naranpura, and Sakar School in Chandkheda. They had approached the revision committee challenging the fees approved by the FRC for the upcoming academic cycles. However, the committee has now conclusively rejected their pleas.
In its final order, the panel directed the schools that if they have already collected any fee in excess of the FRC-approved amounts, they must refund it to the students. With this decision, the fee structures determined by the FRC for the academic years 2024–25, 2025–26, and 2026–27 will remain fully applicable.
Substantial Refunds on the Horizon
Sources indicate that some of these schools had begun collecting higher fees from students, anticipating that their revision applications would be accepted. The committee's rejection now places them in a position where they may have to return substantial sums of money.
It is estimated that the total refund amount across these three schools could be substantial, possibly ranging between Rs 5 crore and Rs 8 crore. Authorities have emphasised that strict action will be taken to ensure compliance with the order, making it mandatory for the schools to process the refunds for the affected students.
FRC's Drastic Fee Reductions Revealed
The Fee Regulatory Committee, which revises fee structures for private schools once every three years, had approved fees significantly lower than what the schools had demanded for the 2024-25 academic year. The details of the reductions are stark:
- Zydus School: For primary classes, the school sought Rs 72,600 but was granted only Rs 59,800. For secondary classes, the demand of Rs 84,000 was reduced to Rs 70,100. For higher secondary, fees were fixed at Rs 73,320 against a demand of Rs 87,600. Science stream fees were approved at Rs 77,175 compared to the requested Rs 91,500.
- Tapovan School: The FRC approved Rs 34,500 for pre-primary against a demand of Rs 64,582, Rs 37,500 for primary against Rs 70,831, and Rs 46,000 for secondary classes against Rs 74,830.
- Sakar School, Chandkheda: Secondary-level fees were approved at Rs 31,970, a sharp cut from the demanded Rs 46,100.
Process Concluded, Focus on Compliance
The FRC's system allows schools that disagree with the approved fees to file appeals before the revision committee. Several schools from Ahmedabad and other cities had approached the panel seeking higher fees. With the latest orders issued, the hearings for this cycle are now concluded.
The decision reinforces the regulatory framework's authority in controlling private school fees and protecting parents from arbitrary hikes. The directive for refunds serves as a strong reminder to institutions to adhere strictly to the officially sanctioned fee structure until any appeal is formally approved.
