Vijayanagara DC issues fee ultimatum to 406 private schools

Time of India

2 days ago

Hosapete (Vijayanagara): Deputy commissioner, MS Diwakar set a deadline of June 5 for fee declarations from 406 private educational institutions in the district. He warned that failure to comply would result in the schools' names being published on the district's website.
Following the guidelines, every private school is obligated to declare its fees by Dec. "However, 406 private educational institutions, which make up 25% of the 1,612 schools in the district, have not yet provided their fee details. Consequently, a deadline of June 5 has been imposed for these schools," remarked the DC.
During a recent meeting with private unaided primary and high schools' governing bodies at his office hall, he addressed this issue.
He noted that no private institution had submitted fee details. He warned that schools collecting additional fees will face disciplinary action according to regulations. Schools must display their fee structures on notice boards.
DC Diwakar also issued specific instructions regarding student safety. He noted that 112 school vehicles in the Vijayanagara district are over 15 years of age. He instructed all BEOs to inspect private schools by June 5, document vehicles without proper RTO licence and insurance, and submit their findings to the district administration.
The govt has banned schools from selling uniforms, shoes, bags, notebooks, and textbooks, as well as from forcing students to buy these items from the institution. "If any complaints are lodged regarding this matter, disciplinary measures will be enforced against those schools," he cautioned.
"Sanitation personnel should be hired in schools, similar to teaching staff. Many schools are not adhering to govt regulations.
Private schools should operate with a sense of humanity alongside delivering quality education," the DC stated.
Diwakar highlighted concerns about inadequate toilet facilities for students. He emphasised that addressing toilet sanitation takes precedence over drinking water provisions. Students bringing water from home indicate either the absence of water systems or poor water quality.
The DC observed that inadequate toilet facilities in private institutions compel female students to refrain from drinking water.
"Do the school management boards have any concern regarding the issues that may arise for girls because of this? First and foremost, prioritise the sanitation of toilets," he instructed.
DDPI Venkatesh Ramachandrappa confirmed these strict measures, explaining that as chairman of the district-level education regulatory authority committee, the DC holds the power to revoke recognition of unauthorised schools, those teaching unauthorised syllabi or medium, conducting unauthorised classes, or facing teacher complaints.
Schools must focus on student welfare and educational quality, he said.
Since becoming a new district, various efforts have been initiated to enhance the educational environment in Vijayanagara district. As a result, in the last two years, the district has achieved superior results in SSLC and PUC examinations compared to its parent district, Ballari, and these efforts are now experiencing increased momentum.