STRICK MEASURE NEEDED TO CURB ARBITRARY PRACTICES OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN BIHAR

STRICK MEASURE NEEDED TO CURB ARBITRARY PRACTICES OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN BIHAR

5-APRIL-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-----------------------------In Bihar, the rampant collection of exorbitant ‘re-admission’ fees by private schools—perpetrated in the name of education—is fast becoming a grave issue. Every year, with the commencement of the new academic session, an additional financial burden is imposed upon parents, thereby exacerbating the hardships faced by families belonging to the common and middle classes. In a sector as sensitive as education, such arbitrary conduct not only constitutes a blatant disregard for established regulations but also serves to perpetuate social inequality.

There exist neither clear, transparent guidelines nor any justifiable rationale for the hefty sums extracted under the pretext of re-admission. Many private schools render this process mandatory, thereby coercing parents into depositing substantial fees under the threat that, should they fail to comply, their children's enrollment will be cancelled. This situation is entirely unjust and deeply concerning.

In light of this, the responsibility resting upon the district administration becomes all the more critical. The District Magistrate of every district ought to take this matter with the utmost seriousness and constitute a special monitoring committee. This committee should comprise officials from the Education Department, representatives of parents, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that complaints are investigated in an impartial manner.

Furthermore, strict punitive action must be initiated against schools that violate the fee structure and regulations prescribed by the government. Only stringent measures—such as the imposition of fines and the revocation of accreditation—against the offending institutions can offer a lasting solution to this problem.

Education is not a commercial enterprise; rather, it constitutes the very bedrock of nation-building. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all of us to prevent it from being exploited as a vehicle for profiteering. If this issue is not brought under control in a timely manner, its adverse repercussions will inevitably be felt by future generations.

The time has now come for the administration, parents, and society at large to join forces, raise their collective voice against this menace, and take concrete steps toward making the education system transparent, equitable, and accessible to all.