Cuttack: The Odisha government has full control over the fee structures of private schools in the state, informed the Parent’s Association through a reply affidavit submitted at the Orissa High Court on Monday.
Replying on the Odisha government’s affidavit expressing its inability to reduce the fees in private schools, the petitioner, Parent’s Association, stated that the private schools should consult with the government before increasing fee.
The counsel for the petitioner, Bibhuti Bhushan Choudhury said, “In the last affidavit submitted by the State Government, it expressly mentioned that they have no control over fees in private schools. However, we have submitted a reply today refuting their claims.”
“As per the resolution brought by the State Government on September 23, 1996, private schools come under the purview of the Odisha government. They will have to consult with the State government prior to increasing fees,” said Choudhury.
He further said, “We submitted a pray before the court to issue directions to the government to take action against the erring schools. The court was satisfied with our arguments and will take a decision on December 10.”
It is pertinent to mention here that the Odisha government on December 2 had told the High Court that it is not legally empowered to intervene in the reduction of the tuition fees in private schools during the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
In its affidavit submitted before the court, the State government stated that the government has no specific provisions for fixation of fee structure of different unaided private schools.