Srinagar: The Fee Fixation Committee (FFC) has raised serious concerns over increasing complaints from parents and students regarding the illegal collection of admission fees by several private schools across Jammu and Kashmir, in blatant violation of the J&K School Education Act, 2002 (as amended).
The Committee revealed that despite repeated directions and clear legal provisions, some private educational institutions continue to charge admission fees-a practice strictly prohibited under Section 20E(1) of the Act. “Private schools shall not charge in any manner, any other fee including admission fee or any amount, by whatever name called than the fee mentioned above,” reads the proviso of the said section.
The Committee further stated that it has come to light that such fees are often collected without issuing proper receipts and sometimes through unofficial channels, thereby concealing the unlawful nature of the transactions. This, the Committee said, is a “grave violation” of the law and warrants stern legal action.
To curb these malpractices and protect students and their families from financial exploitation, the Fee Fixation Committee has urged parents and students to report any such incidents. “In order to check the menace and stop the exploitation, the parents/students are requested to inform this office through official email (chairmanffc@gmail.com) or on official telephone numbers 0194-4034841 / 0191-2956990,” the Committee appealed.
The statement concluded with a firm warning that erring schools will face strict consequences under law, and reiterated that all institutions must adhere strictly to the rules laid down in the J&K School Education Act. [KNT]
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