Punjab Govt issues directions for schools over fee hike, sale of books & uniform

In order to disable this law, the state government has to bring in a new law, overriding the provisions of this law. However, the sources state that the same would take time.

The government of Punjab has directed all district education officers (DEOs) to ensure the implementation of the Chief Minister’s order regarding capping of fees to be charged by private schools in Punjab. The order came after facing criticism for the non-implementation of the CM’s order.

Punjab Regulation of Fee of Unaided Educational Institutions Act, 2016

The DEOs have been given the responsibility to inform schools about the government decision, restricting fee hikes. Despite receiving orders from the Chief Minister, several schools had gone ahead with the fee hike, some by as much as 50 per cent. Parents and students are now protesting against such hike.

These schools have cited a law passed by the previous state government that allowed them to effect an eight per cent increase. Legally, schools covered under The Punjab Regulation of Fee of Unaided Educational Institutions Act, 2016, can hike the fee by eight per cent annually. The government is sending letter to such schools asking them to explain their move.

Punjab Government expected to bring new law

In order to disable this law, the state government has to bring in a new law, overriding the provisions of this law. However, the sources state that the same would take time.

2 Years to buy New Uniform

Meanwhile, the government has also asked schools to identify and widely circulate list of 20 stationery/uniform shops in cities having municipal corporations, from where students/their parents can buy stationery and uniform from.

It further directed that the list of all such shops shall be submitted by each unaided institution to the DEOs within 7 days of issuance of this order. Any inclusion or exclusion from such list shall be duly intimated to the DEOs immediately.

The government order state, “In case of change in the design of the uniform, the existing students shall be given a period of 2 years to buy the newly specified uniform. Till that time students shall be allowed to wear existing uniforms.”

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