DM STRICT ON PRIVATE SCHOOLS

DM STRICT ON PRIVATE SCHOOLS

13-APRIL-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------The district administration in Bhojpur has taken a significant step toward curbing the arbitrary practices of private schools within the district. A crucial review meeting, presided over by the District Magistrate, was held with representatives of private schools in the video conferencing room located at the Collectorate.

During the meeting, a thorough review was conducted regarding complaints received from parents concerning various fees charged by private schools—such as enrollment/re-admission fees, charges for uniforms and books, development fees, and annual fees. The District Magistrate issued clear directives mandating that all private schools must publish full details of their fee structures (for both the previous and current academic years) on their school notice boards and websites to ensure transparency.

The administration also clarified that schools are permitted to increase fees by a maximum of 7 percent, based on their specific requirements. Any fee hike exceeding this limit will require prior approval from the Divisional-level Fee Regulation Committee.

Adopting a firm stance on the issues of uniforms and textbooks, the District Magistrate stated that schools are permitted only to issue a list of required items and their specifications; parents, however, must not be coerced into purchasing these items from any specific vendor. Parents are free to purchase these materials from any source of their choice, as per their own convenience.

Furthermore, a stern warning was issued regarding the complete prohibition of the operation of any school lacking proper recognition. Based on the complaints received, inquiries will also be conducted into the concerned schools. The administration directed that the provisions of the Bihar Private Schools (Fee Regulation) Act, 2019, be strictly adhered to.

Attendees at the meeting included the District Education Officer, the District Programme Officer (Samagra Shiksha and Secondary Education), all Block Education Officers, representatives from the Private School Welfare Association and other organizations, as well as the operators and managers of the district's prominent private schools.

In the present times, education is increasingly ceasing to be a service and is, instead, becoming a commercial enterprise for many private schools. The most concerning aspect of this situation is that the very parents whose children study in these schools remain silent. It is this very silence that emboldens private schools to act arbitrarily. Hiking fees arbitrarily every year, levying extra charges in the name of admissions, and engaging in profiteering through textbooks and uniforms—all of this has now become commonplace. Parents remain silent despite witnessing all of this, driven by the fear that their children might face discrimination. However, it is precisely this fear that is exacerbating the problem.

The time has come for parents to recognize their responsibility. Education is not a domain where arbitrary practices should be tolerated. If you do not speak up today, this problem will only become more severe tomorrow.

It is essential to raise a collective voice. Parents must become aware of their rights and stand up against injustice. Unless you organize yourselves and demand accountability, meaningful reform within the system remains impossible.

Remember, change occurs only when people break their silence. Now is the time to raise your voice and play your part in steering the education system in the right direction.