COVID-19: Karnataka government asks schools to extend fees submission and admission deadlines

The minister warned the academic institutions that any violation will lead to the filing of a criminal case under section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897.

Amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, the Karnataka government asked all academic institutions to postpone their admission process and extend their last date of fees submission. According to the latest reports, the government warned private educational institutions of legal action if they do not postpone the admission process and collection of fees for the next academic year, in the wake of the 21 days nationwide lockdown to combat the Covid-19 spread.

While talking to the media, the Primary and Secondary Education Minister of the state, Suresh Kumar stated that reports of private institutions demanding parents to pay fees for the next academic year in the month of April or May and fixing deadlines are taking rounds. However, the education department issued an official circular stating that admission process and collection of fees for 2020-21, including payment of fees by students continuing in the same school, shall be postponed until the next government order due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

The minister further added that the he is making it clear, any institution violating government orders will be held accountable under the Education Act, including cancellation of recognition of school or educational institution.

While requesting private institutions to extend the deadlines for payment of the fees and admission process, the minister warned them that any violation will lead to the filing of a criminal case under section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897. This institution can also be booked under CrPC.

The minister also asked the schools to send out circular to the parents informing the extension of fees payment deadline and postponement of the admission process. He told that the parents must be informed about the suspension of all the activities until the government’s next orders.

Mentioning the work from home period of school staff, he said that the [ractice shall continue until April 11. He also asked teachers to focus on the programme shared by the department and prepare themselves for the upcoming academic year.

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