School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, speaking in the state legislative assembly on Wednesday, urged members to submit their suggestions so they could be incorporated into the changes the government is planning for the existing Regulation of Fee Act
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In a bid to curb the illegal practices of educational institutes collecting fees under non-academic heads and to make the Fee Regulation Act more parent-friendly, the state has initiated a move to amend the rules in the Act.
School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, speaking in the state legislative assembly on Wednesday, urged members to submit their suggestions so they could be incorporated into the changes the government is planning for the existing Regulation of Fee Act.
During the question hour session, BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar raised concerns over schools charging exorbitant fees in violation of the Act. Sagar pointed out that the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) comprises only 12 to 15 members despite schools having over 2,000 students. “The PTA decides on a fee hike. However, the representation of parents is minimal compared to the number of students in these institutions. The parents' representation should be increased to 50 per cent,” Sagar demanded during the discussion on excessive school fees.
Echoing similar concerns, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai noted that schools are exploiting loopholes in the fee regulation rules. “In addition to academic fees, charges are levied under various heads like camps, laboratory, and sports. The education department should consider all these charges, not just academic fees, under the regulation act,” Varun added.
Acknowledging that some schools are bypassing the current provisions of the Act, Bhuse said, “The government is in the process of amending the terms and conditions of the Fee Regulation Act. All such complaints will be addressed while drafting the proposed changes.”
As several members highlighted complaints received from parents, Bhuse added, “MLAs should submit their suggestions to the government so they can be incorporated into the revised rules currently being prepared by the department.”
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