Maharashtra govt slashes school fees by 15%

The Maharashtra state government has decided to issue directives reducing the school fees by 15% during the Covid-19 pandemic situation to all private schools affiliated with all the boards.

“The state cabinet decided to issue a notification regarding 15% reduction of school fees which will be applicable to across all education boards and the notification will be issued in the next two days,”  Varsha Gaikwad, minister for school education said. This decision will be effective for the current academic year 2021-22. The government has decided its implementation based on the Supreme Court (SC) order in the Rajasthan case.

The SC had asked private education institutions to reduce fees by 15% in its verdict in a Rajasthan matter. SC noted that many expenses born by schools have come down with the campuses remaining closed. It also said that no student must be debarred from attending either online classes or physical classes on account of non-payment of fees, arrears, or outstanding fees.

“Those who have not paid fees yet will get a 15% discount and the state will come up with clarification about parents who have already paid the fees. No school will attempt to increase the fees by 15% as the orders have been issued last year, to not increase school fees,”  Gaikwad said

It will be mandatory for all schools to follow the state directives. The government will take stern action in case schools do not follow the orders.

The education department had received lots of complaints about the conflict between private schools and parents on schools overcharging fees for extracurricular activities such as the use of libraries, sports, and school bus facilities without providing facilities.