Mamata announces self-regulatory panel to decide private school fees

In a bid to check the arbitrary fee hike and huge donations imposed by a section of private schools, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced the formation of a self regulatory committee that would decide the fee structure.

"A Self Regulatory Committee would be formed to decide the school fees. Secretary, School Education, Director General of Police, and city Police Commissioner would be a part of the committee," Banerjee said during a meeting with representatives of private educational institutions.

She also named eight renowned private schools in the city that would represent the committee along with two archbishops and representatives from all the districts.

"The committee would hold meetings at regular intervals, check the balance sheets and decide the school fees with a rational attitude. They would also keep a check to ensure there is no misuse of money in the name of donations," she said.

Referring to several complaints received at her office, Banerjee said a handful of city-based private schools are engaged in malpractice in the name of taking donations.

"I have received report that in three or four schools in the city, a malpractice is going on. The students who are able to provide lump sum donations are allowed to attend special classes. This has to stop.

"Merit cannot be judged by money. There are many students who are meritorious but do not have money. How would people arrange for such huge amounts? Everyone has to spend within a budget," she added.

--IANS

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