The apex court on Thursday clarified that its judgement regarding reduction of fee by 20% is not confined to 22 schools but is for all the schools which are charging more than Rs 5,000 monthly fee from students. The 20% decrease on school fee will apply on top of Rs 5,000 and would apply to all schools, said the Chief Justice. He noted that as the regulators are not performing their duties; therefore, the schools are charging high fees. "The regulator should be strong and must monitor and regulate the school fees."
A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar was hearing suo motu on high fee charged by private schools and colleges.
The Supreme Court on December 13, 2018 had ordered that all private schools which are charging more than Rs 5,000 as monthly fee to reduce 20% of the existing fee and return or adjust summer vacations fees.
The court said the school can increase fee 5% annually in an academic year. But if any school raises it more than 5% then it has to get permission from the regulator as under the law the fee needs to be approved by the regulator. The court order also said that the schools which have received summer vacation fee will adjust or return half of the amount of it to the parents within a period of two months. The private schools' owners were warned that in no circumstance they will close schools or expel any students; otherwise, action will be taken against them.
During the hearing the Chief Justice said that since the passing of the order malicious campaign has been launched against them. Some schools are interpreting order that it is only for the 22 schools.
Secretary Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan Dr Rahim, who was the coordinator of the committee on school fee, apprised the bench that some schools are still charging high fees and say that the December 13 order was for only 22 schools, which are charging exorbitant fees. The Chief Justice said non-compliance with the court order is not only a disregard of the court but it is also tantamount to flouting its order.
The president Supreme Court Bar Association, who was present in the court, informed that many schools have curtailed the extra-curricular activities because they have to reduce the fee.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan noted that some schools have issued notices to the teachers as they want to cut down the strength of the teachers.
The Member (Audit) FBR informed that in compliance with the court order they have examined the five years records of the schools and issued notices to them under income tax law.
The president of the private schools informed that due to the court order, it is feared that 80% schools would be closed as they could not bear expenses.
The Chief Justice said if they want to close schools, close them. The Chief Justice noted that education which is important for the development and growth of nation has become a lucrative business. The owners of the schools in the name of education extract huge amount from parents in terms of fee and fill their kitty.
Comments
Comments are closed.