Cut fees by 15 per cent, Maharashtra govt tells schools across boards

School education minister Varsha Gaikwad

Schools affiliated with various boards have been asked to reduce their annual fees by 15 per cent. The Maharashtra Cabinet took a decision to this effect on Wednesday in view of the growing demand from parents who are financially stressed because of the pandemic.

School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad said a notification would be issued soon to bring clarity in implementation, especially for those who have already paid the fees. She said the decision was based on a verdict of the Rajasthan High Court. When asked what would the state do if the schools raised the fees by 15 per cent while giving a recommended discount, the minister said the schools had assured the government that they would not increase fees this year. She also insisted that the decision/order would apply notwithstanding affiliation with various national and international boards.

Parents, however, are not impressed and feel that the decision won't be implemented. Anubha Shrivastava from India Wide Parents Association said, "The education minister never implements her orders. Last year, a circular was issued that schools should not hike fees, but many did. Several complaints to the education department remained unresolved. Last year, she also said that schools should charge fees as per the facilities provided. But there was no such audit."

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