Nainital, Read: The effect of the action taken by the district administration and the education department against arbitrary fee collection by private schools is now visible. After the investigation conducted in April, 46 private schools have returned the extra amount collected from parents. These schools have returned a total of Rs 39 lakh five thousand 405 to the parents or adjusted it in the upcoming fees.
Chief Education Officer Ranjit Singh Negi said that at the beginning of the academic session 2026-27, complaints of additional and illegal fees being charged by private schools were taken seriously on the instructions of the District Magistrate. For this, a joint team of district administration and education department was formed and the school fees and other charges were investigated. Investigation confirmed illegal collection of fees in 87 private schools of the district. After this, the concerned schools were instructed to return the extra amount to the parents or adjust it in the fees of the coming months.
Eight schools reduced tuition fees
During the campaign, eight schools have reduced the tuition fees which were increased against the rules. At the same time, 39 schools have reduced the examination fees. Apart from this, 15 private schools have reduced or completely abolished the registration fees.
Recovery from Rs 100 to Rs 1000 in the name of TC
Investigation revealed that in many schools, many times more than the prescribed fee was being collected in the name of Transfer Certificate (TC). Instead of the fee of one rupee fixed by the government, parents were being charged Rs 100 to 1000. After the strictness of the Education Department, the concerned schools reduced the TC fee to Re 1. The excess recovered amount was also returned to the parents or adjusted in the fees.
Action will be taken against schools that do not return fees
The Chief Education Officer said that preparations are being made to take strict action against those schools which have not yet returned the additional fees. A recommendation can be sent to the government to de-recognize schools that collect fees illegally. He said that any kind of exploitation of parents will not be tolerated.
Email issued for complaint
Parents can send complaints related to fees or other charges of private schools through email at ceonainital11@gmail.com. According to the Education Department, the name of the complainant will be kept confidential and upon receiving the complaint, action will be taken as per rules.
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