No Arbitrary Fee Hike: Govt Tightens Grip on Private Schools
J&K Govt Says Prior Approval Mandatory; Audit-Based System in Place to Prevent Profiteering
Srinagar, Mar 29: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said private schools cannot increase or collect fees without prior approval, asserting that strict regulations are in place to check arbitrary hikes and profiteering in the education sector.
Replying to a query in the Legislative Assembly, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, the government said provisions under the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Act, 2022 clearly govern the fixation and regulation of fees in private institutions.
It informed the House that under Rule 7 of the J&K Private Schools (Fixation, Determination and Regulation of Fee) Rules, 2022, no school is allowed to revise or impose any fee without clearance from the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC).
The government said fee structures are approved only after detailed financial audits, taking into account factors such as infrastructure, location, administrative costs and reasonable surplus to ensure that education does not turn into a commercial activity.
Additional parameters including academic performance, use of technology, student strength and nature of classes are also considered, while schools are categorised based on rural and urban locations.
It further said institutions with advanced facilities like laboratories, smart classrooms and improved sanitation are assessed differently, adding that the overall framework is aimed at maintaining a balance between quality education and affordability while safeguarding parents from unjustified fee hikes. (KNC)
