If the temple of education turns into a business hub, recognition will be revoked: Warns the district administration.
Investigation underway following complaints of irregularities; Notices issued to several schools.
Dehradun: The district administration has taken a firm stance against complaints of arbitrary fee hikes and coercive practices by private schools in the district. Acting on the directives of District Magistrate Savin Bansal, a core team has been deployed to investigate these issues thoroughly. Schools found violating the norms may face de-recognition.
Complaints include undue pressure on parents to purchase books, notebooks, and uniforms from specific vendors, and excessive fee hikes. In response, Chief Development Officer (CDO) Abhinav Shah summoned the management of several schools including St. Joseph, Pioneer, Sant Kabir Academy, Flower Dale, and Mount Litera for a review meeting on Friday.
Notices were issued to Flower Dale and Mount Litera School for failing to attend the meeting. Additionally, the principal of Sant Kabir School has been summoned on April 15 for not sending a competent representative in their absence.
CDO Shah issued clear directives to school operators, emphasizing that under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, school fees may only be increased by a maximum of 10 percent over three years. Schools must not compel parents to buy books or uniforms from any designated vendor. Instead, schools are instructed to issue clear advisories allowing parents to make such purchases from vendors of their choice.
Further, the Education Department has been directed to investigate the quality of education in schools facing repeated complaints. Officials will speak with parents to address and resolve their concerns without delay.
The administration has already taken action on similar complaints from other schools such as N. Mary, St. Joseph, and Gyanananda, resolving issues promptly.
In another case, the Principal of Shri Guru Ram Rai Public School on EC Road has come under scrutiny following allegations of denying admission to a Class 8 student into Class 9, misbehaving with the parents, and failing to cooperate with higher authorities. The Chief Education Officer has instructed the school management to consider replacing the principal with immediate effect.
The review meeting was attended by Chief Education Officer Vinod Kumar Dhoundiyal, District Education Officer Bhuvaneshwar Prasad, and several private school operators.
