Don't hike fees, Assam govt to schools

All educational institutions in Assam have been directed not to increase fees during the coronavirus pandemic and to waive off 50 percent of fees for the month of April from pre-primary to Class 12.

Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed all the educational institutions in the state to not increase fees during the COVID-19 pandemic and to waive off 50 percent of fees for the month of April from pre-primary to Class 12.

Those educational institutions who have already collected the fees for the month of April have been directed to adjust the concession in the next month, the minister said during a press conference. 

There shall be also no increase in the school fees without the prior approval of the government during the pandemic, he said. 

He also said that there should not be any curtailment of salaries of teaching and non-teaching staff. 

"The income of all citizens has been severely affected and this is a step to help people to tide over the crisis", Sarma said. 

The decision has been made after a meeting of the Education department's fees committee with school representatives and they have all agreed to it, he said.

"If schools remain closed until May 30, then there will be a loss of 52 days which can be managed by having full classes on Saturdays, keeping schools opened and reducing the number of declared holidays", Sarma said. 

It will be, however, difficult if schools remain closed beyond that and the Education department has been asked to make a contingency plan, in case of such a situation", the minister said. 

"The teachers have to work extra in order to save the academic year and they are ready to do it," Sarma said.

Schools in Assam were closed on March 16 following the outbreak of Coronavirus.

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