The Karnataka government on Friday issued an official order on Friday, asking private unaided schools in the state to collect only 85 % of the fee for the academic year 2020-21.

This comes after the Karnataka High Court order on September 16, 2021, disposed of petitions filed by private unaided schools and associations representing them regarding the fee slash. Petitions were filed against an order passed by the education department, when the former education minister, S Suresh Kumar, on January 29, 2021, had ordered a 30% slash in fee for the 2020-21 academic year citing pandemic woes.

The court, hearing the matter, directed private unaided schools, across boards, to collect 85% of fees for the previous academic year. Private schools were also asked not to hike the tuition fee.

 The department, in its latest order, has also clarified that schools will not be allowed to collect any additional fee for transportation or co-curricular activities. For those schools which have collected the entire fee from parents, the department has asked that the fee be adjusted this year.

Schools shall neither be allowed to debar students nor deny access to offline or online education on account of non-payment of fees. Results of students or their enrollments for board exams cannot be withheld either. The court had advised that if a representation is made by parents for fee reduction as they are finding it difficult, it is to be considered on a case-to-case basis.

The government has also recommended that a committee constituted by the directors of the education department in Bengaluru and DIET principals in other areas be set up to look into any grievances related to this issue. The committee is to be constituted by the department of public instruction. 

Also read: Collect 85% school fee for previous year, Karnataka HC tells private schools