Mumbai: Powai school denying access to online classes, say parents

This picture has been used for representational purpose

In a fresh row over school fees, parents of students of Powai's Podar International School complained that the institute hiked the annual fees by 10 per cent despite their opposition. Some of them alleged that their wards had been denied access to online learning as they refused to pay the hiked fees. The school management, however, denied the allegations.

Parents of about 800 students have sent a letter to the school administration highlighting their concerns. The letter reads, "The ongoing and severe second wave of the pandemic has impacted every one of us both financially and socially. The ongoing lockdowns, night curfews and other government-announced restrictions have only made the situation more difficult. The fees for six to eight hours of in-person classes with all the amenities should not be charged for just two to three hours of online classes. We assure you that once normalcy returns, we will have another round of discussions to agree on a fee revision. However, until then, we request your office to give us a 50 per cent reduction."

A parent said, "We are actually spending more to make arrangements for online classes at home." Adding to this, another parent said, "The teachers too are facing pay-cuts and extra-curricular activities have stopped, charges for which are included in the fees."

School principal Priya Rajwade shared a statement, which says, "The school is providing comprehensive virtual classes and conducting online exams irrespective of fee payment. We remain committed to providing quality education. Also, in order to support the parents, the school deferred last year's PTA-approved fee hike. We have also provided a 10 per cent concession and have tied up with finance companies to assist parents."