The CBSE, ICSE and State Board Private School Managements Association (CISPMAM) of Mysuru appealed to the Karnataka state government to allow them to collect fees for online classes from parents in order to pay salaries to staffs.

While meeting Mysuru District Minister S.T. Somashekar on July 19, the President of CISPMAM, Sudhakar S. Shetty said that all Schools had to shut down by March 21 due to the lockdown imposed as a result of Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. He said, “We request the parents and government to understand that lakhs of teachers, other staff members and administrative personnel will be drastically affected without their salaries.”

Most schools had to start online classes immediately. He added, “We are following the directives of the CBSE and Ministry of Human Resource Development to ensure that learning continues and are taking efforts in facilitating live classrooms and other such activities.”

Shetty also said, “The Education Minister has warned Schools not to collect fees from students and Schools are liable for action. Taking unfair advantage of the Minister’s words, about 40 percent of the students are defaulting in payment of tuition fee resulting in grave financial crisis to the institution which is struggling to pay the salaries of the staff and the teachers.” 

There are more than 240 CBSE, ICSE and State Board Private Schools in Mysuru with over 40,000 people working. 

“The unaided schools are dependent only on fees to pay salaries and monthly expenses like electricity, water, health, transport, security, housekeeping, sanitation, Wi-Fi network etc. The State Government must formulate a policy in the interest of Schools,” he said.

“While we understand that it is a tough time for everyone, we want institutions to be allowed to collect fees from parents who are able to and willing to do so. We do not wish to compromise on the salaries of our teaching and non-teaching staff,” Shetty told the Minister further regarding the collection of Mysuru school fees.

He also urged Somashekar to waive off electricity bill of educational institutions, bank interests, insurance and road tax for vehicles for six months. 

Somashekar assured that he will take up the issue with Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. 

Source: Star of Mysore

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