Fee Fixation Committee asks parents to lodge complaints over excessive annual charges

Srinagar, Dec 14: Amid rising complaints from parents regarding private schools allegedly charging exorbitant annual fees, the Fee Fixation Committee (FFC) on Sunday asked aggrieved parents to formally approach the committee through the prescribed channel for redressal.

Chairman of the Fee Fixation Committee, Justice (Rtd) Sunail Hali told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that action would be taken against schools found violating the directives issued by the committee. He said the FFC has already provided its official email address, where parents can submit detailed complaints along with relevant documents.

Justice Hali said that once complaints are received, the committee will examine the matter and initiate action if the grievances are found to be genuine. He reiterated that private schools are bound by the norms and orders issued by the Fee Fixation Committee and cannot impose arbitrary or unjustified charges on parents.

The FFC chairman assured parents that their complaints would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law and that violations would not be tolerated. He urged parents to avoid informal channels and instead use the official mechanism to ensure timely and effective action.

The issue of high annual charges by private schools has emerged as a major concern for parents across the Valley, with many alleging that schools are bypassing established guidelines and placing an undue financial burden on families. [KNT]