Mumbai: Parents approach Child Rights body over state's failure on school fees

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Fed up of the state government's inaction regarding schools constantly increasing fees, the parents of some children have approached the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) against it. According to the parents, several of their complaints to the Maharashtra government's education department have remained unresolved, leaving them and their children in the lurch.

School fees have been a major issue amid the pandemic and parents have been demanding strict action following the harassment of children. Many children were either removed from online classes or barred from appearing for exams.

While there have been many protests or gatherings at various schools, parents' associations have also approached regulatory bodies as well as the state government with the issue.

"Schools in Maharashtra are targeting children over fees. We have received several complaints from parents and have sent the list of such schools to the Maharashtra government; but till date no meeting was held, no enquiry was conducted, and no action was taken except against few schools. We have also requested the state government several times to conduct an audit of such schools. But there is no response. We request you to direct the Maharashtra government to conduct an enquiry and audit of schools and take necessary action against schools for targeting children," states the letter sent to NCPCR by India Wide Parents' Association.

President of the association, Anubha Shrivastava said, "The post of chairperson of the state child rights commission has been vacant for a long time and we do not have anyone at the state level to approach with our concerns. Hence we have approached NCPCR."