The lack of transparency and accountability in the education system is a cause for concern

Saptrishi,

The Punjab State School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has taken a commendable step in providing email addresses for people to lodge complaints against private schools engaging in unfair practices. The sheer number of complaints received by the minister’s office suggests that this is a problem that affects a large number of students and their families.

It is alarming to learn that 30 private schools have been accused of violating the Punjab Regulation of Fees of Unaided Educational Institutions Bill 2016 and 2019. These schools have been issued notices and are required to respond to the allegations within a week. The violation of guidelines laid down by the CBSE prohibiting the imposition of development and maintenance funds is a clear indication of the lack of accountability and transparency in the education system.

The fact that private schools are charging exorbitant fees and hidden expenses is a longstanding problem in India. As stated by the Education Minister, this issue burdens middle-class families, making quality education inaccessible to them. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this problem, leaving many individuals jobless and financially insecure. Therefore, private schools that fail to adhere to the CBSE guidelines not only violate the law but also perpetuate gross injustice to the middle class.

The argument made by school management authorities, where they cited the Supreme Court judgment and the Right to Education Act, is not acceptable. Even though the right to increase fees by up to 8 per cent annually is granted, it does not imply a license to charge hidden expenses or to engage in fraudulent activities. Therefore, it is the responsibility of school management authorities to ensure that fees are transparent, reasonable, and do not place undue financial burden on students and their families.

The issue of private schools charging excessive fees and hidden expenses is a critical problem that needs immediate attention in India. It’s alarming to see that some schools are operating without any consequences despite violating the CBSE guidelines. This situation raises serious concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of regulatory bodies, and it’s essential for them to take strict action against such schools.

The lack of transparency and accountability in the education system is a cause for concern. It’s crucial that regulatory bodies ensure private schools operate within the boundaries of the law and adhere to the CBSE guidelines. Education is a fundamental right, and it’s disheartening to see that economic background might become a barrier to quality education. To address this, strict regulations must be enforced, and effective measures must be taken against schools that violate them.

It’s high time that regulatory bodies take urgent steps to rectify the issues in the education system. Every student deserves access to quality education, regardless of their financial status, and it’s only possible through effective regulation and enforcement. The authorities must ensure that private schools operate in a transparent and accountable manner, and students and their families aren’t unduly burdened by fees and hidden expenses. Failure to do so might result in a significant number of students being deprived of quality education, which would be a grave injustice.

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