THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Education minister V Sivankutty has on Saturday appealed to private school managements against demanding exorbitant fees from students.
He said the school authorities should consider the impact of Covid in the lives of parents while finalizing the fee structure.
“I am making this appeal because I am in receipt of several complaints against a section of unaided schools demanding exorbitant fees from students.
I am told that many schools still demand library, lab and smart-classroom fees, just like they used to during the pre-Covid times,” he said in a statement.
“ I understand that many unaided schools function without leaving room for any such complaints.
But, some schools do take positions that cause extreme difficulty to students and parents, especially in these Covid times,” the statement added.
Some schools even demand money in the name of sports and games, cultural activities, medical examination, badge, diary, progress report charges, PTA fund and insurance.
Since the livelihood of a large number of people are affected by the pandemic and related restrictions, the school authorities should act in a more humane manner and stop demanding exorbitant and unnecessary fees, he said.
The minister also reminded unaided school managements that transfer certificate is the right of a student and if a student requests for the same, the school authorities can’t deny it.
“TC is not mandatory for admission to Class 1 to 8.
Government has issued necessary orders to ensure admission to students who wish to join public schools in Class 9 and 10, even without TC.
Director of general education has issued orders for transferring to public schools the UID details of students who have been denied TC by unaided school managements,” he added.