Fee relief for parents in Chandigarh

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 29

Giving relief to parents in the wake of Covid-19, the UT Administration has announced rescheduling of dates for fees submission for the students studying in local schools.

The notification, released on Sunday evening, stated that, ‘Keeping in view of the situation, all the recognised private schools, government and government aided schools are directed to reschedule the last date for deposit of fees and funds for the session 2020-21 (due in last week of March/April 2020)...’ It further stated, ‘The last date will be fixed by giving at least one month time to the parent after the reopening of the schools and no late fee will be charged. In case any complaint, strict action will be taken.’

It further mentioned, ‘In case any parent has already deposited the fee, no refund will be made by the school.’ Earlier, in the evening, the office of the District Education Officer (DEO), Sector 19, had confirmed to submit a proposal to the UT Administrator to take the decision. Though the official denied offering a complete waiver, it was decided to extend the date of submission o f fees till the resumption of the classes. “A proposal was already sent to the UT Administrator and now each school has to follow the instructions. As per the instruction, no school shall pressurise parents to submit fees at this hour,” said DEO Alka Mehta.

“The matter pertaining regarding fee for government and aided schools was already cleared and this notification has made things clear for the private schools.”

When asked about a requisite fee waiver in private schools, the official denied. “There will be no waiver, however the parents will not be forced to pay the fees till the time the schools reopen. It has never happened in the past,” said Alka.

“I believe like every session the schools will charge full fee for the upcoming months. It has never happened that fee is charged on the basis of number of days a school remain open. Rest, all are bound to follow the approved instructions,” added Alka, on being asked if the private schools would charge full fee for the month of April.

The schools had already started updating parents regarding submission of fees—till the l first or second week of next month. However, this notification has brought in a little relief for them.

Parents demand waiver

Meanwhile, tight-lipped parents are demanding a full waiver till the time the country is placed under lockdown. “We have been asked to submit the fee in the first or second week of the next month. Considering the ongoing situation, the administration should order waiver of school fee for atleast two months. Not all parents have their pockets full in this situation of crisis. The government should release funds for these private schools in order to accommodate their expenses instead of charging from us,” said one the parent—seeking anonymity.

As per reports the neighbouring states—Himachal, Haryana and Punjab—have already issued directions for the private schools to reschedule the dates of fee submission. “The UT Administration should have checked the fee structure of local schools before taking the final. Rescheduling the submission dates has done a little help, the administration should allow a complete waiver of the fees,” said another parent.

“The schools should charge concessional fees once the school reopens to cover the staff salaries as the schools are not incurring other expenses like consumables, electricity, fuel, etc,” stated one of a parent on a social media platform.

No refund if fee already deposited

• The notification, released by the UT Administration on Sunday evening, reads that, ‘Keeping in view of the situation, all the recognised private schools, government and government aided schools are directed to reschedule the last date for deposit of fees and funds for the session 2020-21 (due in last week of March/April 2020)...’ It further stated, ‘The last date will be fixed by giving at least one month time to the parent after the re-opening of the schools and no late fee will be charged. In case any complaint, strict action will be taken.’
• In case any parent has already deposited the fee, no refund will be made by the school.

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