Schools advised not to increase fees, says Noida DM

NOIDA: District Magistrate (DM) of Gautam Buddh Nagar has issued a set of directives for schools across the district to clear doubts of parents regarding school fees for the academic year 2020-2021.

The DM has clearly said that there will be no hike in school fees for the entire academic year and if any parent has deposited the increased fees then it would be adjusted in subsequent months.

As per the guidelines issued, all the schools around district can’t increase the school fees in the name of various charges, nor can they disenroll any candidate in case of non-payment of fees.

“Yes, schools in Gautam Buddh Nagar can collect fees for the academic year 2020-21 but no school shall increase the fees for the whole session. Also they cannot demand quarterly fees and will take fees on a monthly basis. Non-compliance of the rules could lead to a fine of Rs 1-5 lakhs,” said Suhas LY, district Magistrate, Gautam Buddh Nagar, adding that actions of withdrawal of recognition/affiliation to the concerned board against such schools not following guidelines will also be initiated.

The officer further said that schools should also ensure that

Schools cannot demand quarterly fees and will take fees on a monthly basis. Non-compliance of the rules could lead to a fine of Rs 1-5 lakhs

the salary of teachers are paid during the lockdown and transportation fees are not collected till schools are closed. Parents across Noida and Greater Noida who were fighting against the arbitrary fee hike by school have welcomed the move.

“Contrary to the orders issued from the State government, several schools across the district were demanding hiked fees for the academic session 2020-21 to be paid on quarterly basis.

Many parents have paid the fees after getting repeated notifications under the fear of getting their ward disenrolled from the school. However, as the district administration has now swung into action and issued strict guidelines, this will surely help parents in this crucial time,” said Dheeraj Sharma, a parent and resident of Greater Noida West.