Naveen expresses shock over CBSE fee hike

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday termed the examination fee hike by the CBSE as "abnormal" and urged the Centre to intervene and ensure that the decision is reconsidered.

In a letter to Union Human Resources Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishak, Patnaik said the decision of the Central Board of Secondary Education has caused resentment among parents and other stakeholders.

"I hope and trust, you will look into the matter personally and do the needful," Patnaik wrote to Nishak.

Patnaik's letter to the Centre came a day after Odisha's School and Mass Education minister Samir Ranjay Dash said the enhanced examination fee will affect the parents.

The abnormal rise, specially of the fees in respect of SC & ST students has come as a "shock," Patnaik said in the letter.

He said the Odisha government has opened more than 200 English medium schools affiliated to the CBSE in rural areas for the benefit of economically and socially under privileged sections of the society.

"This decision (hike in fees) is bound to result in acute hardship to them," Patnaik said while requesting the Union HRD Minister to ensure that the CBSE reconsider its decision in the interest of the people.

Last week, the fees for Class 10 and 12 general category students was doubled from Rs 750 to Rs 1,500 for five subjects. SC and ST students in Delhi, who were paying Rs 375 earlier, will now pay Rs 1,200 for five subjects.

On Monday, the Odisha Chapter of the All India Parents Association had urged the chief minister to intervene in the matter. The association has demanded immediate withdrawal of the enhanced examination fees.