School Education Department Forms Committee to Examine Private School Fees in Jammu and Kashmir

The School Education Department (SED) in Jammu and Kashmir has taken a significant step by constituting a high-level committee to address the concerns regarding the fees charged by private schools in the region. This development aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the education system.

Headed by the Secretary of JK Board of School Education (BOSE), the committee comprises key members including the Additional Secretary of SED, Joint Director Central SED, and Administrative Officer of the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC). Together, they will thoroughly examine the fees, costs of books, uniforms, and shoes provided by private schools to students.

The main objective of the committee is to assess whether the fees and additional costs imposed by private schools are justified and based on verifiable criteria. It will also investigate the rationale behind the FFRC’s decision to mandate transportation fees during winter vacations in the Kashmir Division.

According to the official order, the committee has been given a timeline of Thirty (30) days to submit a detailed report to the Administrative Department. This report should encompass justifications, legal basis, and historical practices related to the fees charged by private schools.

The formation of this committee comes in response to the growing concerns raised by parents regarding the high fees and ancillary expenses demanded by private schools. Particularly, parents have expressed opposition to the FFRC’s directive allowing private schools to collect 50 percent of transportation fees during vacations.

Overall, this initiative by the School Education Department signals a proactive approach towards addressing the grievances of parents and ensuring a fair and equitable education system in Jammu and Kashmir.