SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Dec 17: A delegation of the Jharkhand Abhivawak Sangh (JAS) on Wednesday met the District Education Officer (DEO), demanding that the investigation report into re-admission charges levied by private schools be made public and forwarded to the Joint Secretary (Secondary Education) of the Jharkhand government. The delegation was led by JAS general secretary Manoj Mishra.
Allegations of Excessive Fees by Private Schools
In a memorandum submitted to the DEO, the parents’ body alleged that several private schools in Dhanbad were collecting hefty amounts from students in the name of annual fees, development fees, establishment charges, caution money and other heads during re-admission.
Mishra said the Sangh has sought a thorough inquiry into the fee structure and urged the authorities to place the findings in the public domain.
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District-Level Probe Underway
Dhanbad has 88 affiliated private schools, including 80 CBSE and eight ICSE institutions. According to the district education department, 10 schools have stated during the probe that they do not collect any re-admission charges.
Acting on complaints by the Abhivawak Sangh, the Joint Secretary (Secondary Education) on November 20, 2025, directed deputy commissioners of all 24 districts to conduct inquiries and take action against schools found charging excessive re-admission fees.
Schools Asked to Submit Evidence
Following the state government’s directive, the District Education Officer on December 12 issued notices to private schools, asking them to submit documentary evidence clarifying whether re-admission fees were being charged. The process is currently underway.
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Fee Regulation Under Jharkhand Education Tribunal Act
Manoj Mishra said that under the Jharkhand Education Tribunal (First Amendment) Act, 2019, fee determination in all categories of private schools, including CBSE and ICSE institutions, must follow the prescribed legal provisions.
He added that as per the New Education Policy, fee fixation has been categorised across different class groups, and schools are required to follow the principle of “no profit, no loss” while determining fees, particularly for classes up to Class 12.