Parents unsure about restructuring of private school fee

Bengaluru: The Karnataka state government has proposed an annual fee structure ranging from Rs 6,800 to Rs 13,130 for schools affiliated to all boards across the state. The proposal, however, has ruffled many feathers, as is evident from the 600-odd objections received by the department of public instruction (DPI).

Surprisingly, parents, the intended beneficiaries of the move, too are among those vehemently opposing the proposal. November 10 is the last date for filing objections to the draft fee structure that's available on the DPI website.

Sources in the department admit that with the last date nearing, there's been a sharp rise in parents filing objections. Most parents are rattled by the fact that the proposal pays little attention to quality education.

The objections received by DPI include those from school managements as well.

Nooraine Fazal, managing trustee, Inventure Academy, says if private schools follow the new fee structure they will have to shut shop in a few years. An ever-increasing population means there's also a need for more schools.

If all private schools shut down, can the government meet the educational needs through government schools, she wondered.

According to D Shashi Kumar, organizing secretary of Karnataka State Private School Management Association, parents and teachers are worried about the draft fee structure as it'll indirectly affect the children.