As we know the country is currently facing a difficult situation due to the outbreak of coronavirus followed by lockdown. In view of the on-going crisis, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked states and union territories to examine the issues of school fees payment and salaries to teachers “sensitively and holistically” keeping in mind the interest of all stakeholders.
CBSE secretary Anurag Tripathi said in a letter to chief secretaries of states and union territories that keeping in view the present situation of the countrywide lockdown, and difficulties being face by all stakeholders in the school education system due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, it is requested that the state governments may examine the issue of lump sum payment of school fees and teacher’s salaries sensitively and holistically considering the interest of all stakeholders concerned.
It is observed that during the lockdown period, parents are being asked to pay an increased quarterly fees and annual charges.Apart from this,the complaints regarding withholding of salaries of teachers,non-teaching staff by the school management were also received.
As per CBSE affiliation bye laws, fees is supposed to be charged under the heads prescribed by the Department of Education of the states and union territories. The admission fee charged under any other head is also charged only as per the regulations of the appropriate government, the bye laws state. The affiliation bye laws also empower the education department of states and union territories concerned to decide the manner in which fee can be collected.
