Parents across the state who attended the meeting organised by the Ministry of Education in Mumbai yesterday have expressed their discontent with the treatment meted out to them at the forum. Rajendra Darda, school education minister, Fauzia Khan, minister of state for school education and other MLAs were present at the meeting.

The meeting was convened so that parents' grouse and suggestions could be taken into consideration before formulating the final bill to decide fee structure in unaided private schools. About 200 parents had travelled to Mumbai from Nagpur, Ahmednagar, Aurangabad.

"Some parents had travelled for more than 14 to 15 hours to participate in the meeting. But the officials did not let them talk for more than a minute or two. They were unable to explain the points they were making," said Jayant Jain, president of Forum for Fairness in Education. "It looked like they had organised the meeting for the heck of it."

Sandeep Chavan, another parent, said: "The officials asked us to give our suggestions in writing. In the past we have given written complaints and suggestions, but the ministry did not taken any action. If they had wanted it in writing, then we would have not spent our time and money to travel to Mumbai." Chavan said though the meeting was supposed to continue till 5 pm, but it was winded up by 2 pm."