FFRC bars private schools from collecting admission fees without receipts

Srinagar, Dec 20: The Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) has issued a directive to all private schools in Jammu and Kashmir ordering them to refrain from charging admission fees during the admission process of students for kindergarten classes.

The order, issued by the FFRC Chairman Justice (retd) Sunil Hali, has come at a time when the admission process for the new academic session has either commenced or is about to commence in private schools across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chairman of FFRC in his order has stated that the complaints are pouring in that the private schools  are charging admission  fees in violation of statute.

"It is also alleged that the majority of schools are taking the money in cash and not providing receipt against the amount charged," the order reads.

The order has referred to the section 20E (1) of Jammu and Kashmir School Education Act 2002 amended from time to time stating that the private schools shall not charge any fee from the students or guardians, except tuition fee, annual fee, transport fee and voluntary special purpose fee such as the picnic, tour and excursions, completely voluntary in nature or any other fee as may be approved by the FFRC after the prescribed procedure.

"The private schools shall not charge in any manner, any other fee including  admission fee or any amount, by whatever name  called than  the  fee mentioned in the order," it reads.

The Chairman FFRC has issued circular  instructions to all the private schools not to charge admission fees in violation of statutes.

"In case of a complaint being proved against a private school having charged admission fee, it will be deemed to have been charged from all students admitted and action in accordance with law will be taken against the school management," the FFRC order reads.

The FFRC has stated that in case of denial that the school management has charged admission fee on the pretext of lack of receipt or otherwise, the matter will be referred to CBI for conducting enquiry  in the matter.

"In case of adverse report from the investigating agency, action in accordance with law will be taken against the school which may include de-recognition of the institution," the order reads.