Private School Fee Hike Row: HC Asks Odisha Govt To Amicably Resolve Issue

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Tuesday asked Odisha government to find an amicable solution to tuition fee hike by private schools and unaided schools. The Court directed School and Mass Education Department Secretary to convene a meeting with all stake holders including the Parents’ Association and school authorities to resolve the matter at the earliest.

The direction came in response to a PIL filed by Odisha Abibhabak Mahasangha and other petitions against the fee hike. The petitioners had sought exemption of tuition fee by private schools as the State government has declared COVID-19 pandemic a ‘disaster’.

The Confederation of Odisha Public Schools had also moved an intervention application in the Orissa High Court in connection with a PIL seeking exemption of tuition fees by private schools during the lockdown, reports said.

Orissa High Court directs State S&ME secretary to mutually come to a consensus on hike of private school fees with consultation with parents & teachers' associations & school authorities #Odisha pic.twitter.com/0hBpP8uUoh

— OTV (@otvnews) September 1, 2020

“The Odisha Parents Association had moved Orissa High court seeking a reduction in tuition fees and other ancillary charges imposed by the private and unaided schools. Hearing the matter, the Court directed the secretary of school and mass education department to convene a meeting with all stake holders including the parents’ association and two others petitioners to decide on the matter,” said advocate Bibhuti Bhusan Chaudhary.

Chaudhary further informed that the meeting will be attended by members of Teachers association, all school officials and the Federation of School Association to decide on how much tuition fees will be reduced.

“Already CBSE, ICSE and Odisha government have reduced syllabus; online classes don't seem viable as of now. Whatever decision is taken at the meeting, it will be submitted before the High Court which will hear the matter next week,” Chaudhary added.

(Edited By Pradeep Singh)

Also Read: Ensure Online Classes For Students Irrespective Of Payment Of Tuition Fees: Orissa HC To Govt, Boards