J-K: FFRC bars private schools from arbitrary late fee charges

Srinagar, Dec 23: The Fee Fixation and Regulatory Committee (FFRC), Jammu and Kashmir, has reiterated that private schools in the Union Territory are not permitted to charge arbitrary late fees from students, warning institutions to strictly adhere to existing norms.

In a notice issued by FFRC Chairperson Justice Sunil Hali, the committee said it had received complaints that several schools were imposing late fees in violation of its earlier circular issued in 2023. The circular clearly states that no late fee can be charged for a period of three months from the date the fee becomes due.

The FFRC clarified that schools cannot impose any late fee if students fail to deposit their monthly fee by the 15th of the following month. However, if the fee remains unpaid even after the expiry of three months from the due date, a late fee of ₹30 per month may be charged from the date the fee became due.

The committee also advised parents to deposit school fees on time to avoid inconvenience to educational institutions.