Bhubaneswar: Parents across Odisha are now distraught over, what they allege, 'the forcible payment of fees by private schools' though the matter is still to be decided by the Orissa High Court.
The Organisation of Parents’ Foundation, a state-wide body of parents and guardians, on Sunday gheraoed Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Sameer Ranjan Dash’s residence in Bhubaneswar alleging that several private schools, through the respective class teachers, are threatening to issue transfer certificates (TC) to students in the event their parents are unable to pay up the fees.
The parents’ body further alleged that those students, who are yet to deposit their school fees, are not allowed to attend online classes.
The association members alleged that the private schools are charging for facilities like development fees and transportation, though those were not in use on account of online classes and closure of schools in view of COVID-19 pandemic situation.
“Students are not being allowed to attend online classes and teachers are threatening parents to issue the TC of their wards. While parents are suffering owing to monetary demands, students are going through depression as they are feeling mentally disturbed,” Girija Bisoi, General Secretary of the association, said.
Nilamadhav Mohanty, General Secretary of Sai International School Parents Forum said, “We had earlier met School and Mass Education Minister over the matter. But the Minister advised us to approach court as the State government has already made it clear in court that they have no control over private school fee structure. Though the Orissa High Court had earlier cleared that no student can be debarred from online classes, the fact remains several schools are not allowing students attend classes and not providing their report cards.”
Mohanty further said, “The higher ups in the Odisha government instead of helping us are advising us to admit our wards in government schools. A lot of parents have lost their jobs and the livelihood of many has been hit due to COVID-19 pandemic situation. The private schools are asking us to pay for day boarding, transportation fee when the students have not taken such facilities.”
“If Odisha government does not take any step to redress our grievances, we will be forced to stage demonstrations and gherao Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik’s residence,” Mohanty added.
Responding to the allegations of the parents’ association, School and Mass Education Minister Sameer Ranjan Dash said, “Already the matter is subjudice in the Orissa High Court. The Principal Secretary has already submitted an affidavit on behalf of the State government and commenting on the matter will not be appropriate at this juncture.”