Fee transparency for parents: Dhanbad schools mandated to provide detailed fee structures; Parents can now pay fees quarterly

Dhanbad: Private schools in Dhanbad were on Thursday asked to provide a breakup of their annual fees and allow the parents of their students to pay the amount on a quarterly basis.The directives were issued during a meeting chaired by deputy commissioner Aditya Ranjan with representatives of private schools and parents associations.

The schools were told to adhere to the provisions of the Jharkhand Education Tribunal (Amendment) Act of 2017.“All schools must submit a detailed fees structure to the administration and upload it on their official websites. It should also be displayed on their notice boards. Schools must clearly justify the purpose of development fees and are strictly prohibited from charging any re-admission fees,” Ranjan said.Schools, the district administration said, cannot compel the parents to pay the annual fees at one go. Instead, parents will have the option to pay the fees quarterly. Additionally, schools must finalize fee structures in consultation with their internal fee committees.To further enhance transparency, schools have been directed to upload details of books (including publisher names) and uniforms by November, and fee details by January for the upcoming academic session.

Importantly, schools cannot change uniforms before five years or alter the prescribed book list once published.DC asked all school managements to comply with the directives and set up a five-member committee to carry out inspections. Institutes found violating the directives will be penalised Rs 50,000.The administration has also barred schools from selling books and uniforms within their premises or through designated vendors.

This move is expected to allow open market competition, giving parents access to more affordable options.Schools have been asked to submit their audit reports of the past year, bank account statements, and details of their management committees. Information about teaching staff, including pay scales, must also be published online.The administration also expressed concern over low admissions under the BPL quota and reiterated that 25% of seats must be reserved for economically weaker sections.Welcoming the decisions, Mukesh Pandey, a parent said that while implementation may be challenging, sincere efforts by the administration could greatly benefit students and parents alike.