THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, April 13: In a major relief for parents, the Ranchi district administration has capped fee hikes in private schools at 10% and made it clear that any increase can only take place after a gap of two years. Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri announced the decision during a meeting with school representatives, warning of strict action against violations.
Strict cap on fees, re-admission charges banned
The DC also declared re-admission fees completely illegal, stating that such charges cannot be collected under any pretext. Schools have been directed to submit detailed fee structures for the past three years and the current academic session by April 20, with scrutiny and decisions scheduled for April 21.
A district-level meeting held at the Aryabhatta Auditorium of Ranchi University reviewed over 140 complaints from parents regarding arbitrary fee hikes and related issues. Show-cause notices have already been issued to several schools.
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Compliance measures and action on complaints
To ensure transparency, all schools must form Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and school-level fee committees within three days. Parents have been given multiple channels to lodge complaints, including the district fee committee office, a dedicated WhatsApp number, and an online platform.
The administration has also warned that forcing students to pay additional fees, barring them from exams, or delaying Transfer Certificates will be treated as violations under the Child Rights Act.
Further, schools have been directed to follow strict norms regarding books, uniforms, and transport. Students cannot be forced to buy books from specific vendors, and uniform changes will require PTA approval. Bus fees must remain within the overall 10% cap, and safety measures like CCTV, GPS, and fire extinguishers in school buses have been made mandatory.
The DC said all complaints will be resolved within 60 days, and schools found violating norms may face penalties. He emphasised that the move is aimed at ensuring fairness, transparency, and protection of student and parent interests.