Srinagar, Apr 2: The Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) has tightened noose on a private school in the summer captial for allegedly charging admission from parents for admissions of their kid.
As per the fresh order issued by the Chairman FFRC, Justice (retd) Sunil Hali, the management of Kashmir Harward school Naseembagh Srinagar has been accused of charging Rs 85000 from the parent.
“The FFRC has taken suo moto cognizance of a concerning video circulating on social media featuring a lady named Sana. Serious allegations have been made against management of the school,” the order reads.
The FFRC has stated that the allegation that the school was demanding Rs 85000 as admission fee for the admission of the child, if proven true, warrants immediate action.
“Charging of admission fees has been barred by statute and any fee charged in contravention of FFRC directives is strictly prohibited by law,” the FFRC Chairman said.
The FFRC has stated that no educational institution is authorised to impose any fees without prior approval from the FFRC.
“Such actions not only raise moral and ethical concerns but also violate legal statutes,” Chairman FFRC in an order said.
The FFRC has stated that the said school has failed to submit the requisite documentation and file for the regulation of fee structures for the academic session 2024-25.
“As per the established timeline, the school was obligated to submit this documentation to the FFRC by or before December 31, 2023,” FFRC said.
It said that the school is not authorised to unilaterally enhance its fee structures without the necessary approvals from the FFRC.
“The failure to adhere to the submission deadline for fee regulation documentation raises serious concerns regarding compliance with regulatory requirements,” the FFRC order reads.
Following the allegations against the Kashmir Harward school for charging admission fees from parents, the Chairman of the school has been summoned by the FFRC and asked to appear before the committee on April 3 at 12pm “along with all factual details and information pertaining to the matter for thorough examination.”
“Failure to comply with this directive may lead to the initiation of necessary actions as outlined by the regulations,” the FFRC order reads.
The FFRC has stated that the actions could include referring the matter to an investigative agency for a comprehensive inquiry into the complaint.
“The committee can suspend fee collection from students until a resolution is reached and we can recommend to the government the suspension of the school’s recognition,” the FFRC order reads.
While the FFRC has tightened the noose against one school, complaints are pouring in across Kashmir against private schools for charging admission fees from parents at the time of admission, in violation of the rules.
The parents complained that the schools collect the admission fees under different heads which include development fund or other fund.
“We urge the government and the FFRC to initiate a probe into it. The practice of charging admission fees in any form which is not notified by the committee, should be stopped forever,” the parents said.