Ahmedabad DEO warns schools against collecting hidden fees from RTE students

Ahmedabad: The District Education Officer (DEO) of Ahmedabad city has directed self-financed primary schools not to collect any form of indirect fees from students admitted under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. A circular has been issued to all schools, instructing them to strictly adhere to the RTE rules.According to sources, the DEO’s office received complaints that some schools were charging additional fees from parents of RTE students under various heads. These reportedly included activity fees, smart class charges, annual function expenses, educational tour fees, and even canteen and meal charges. According to the RTE rules, students admitted under the scheme are entitled to free and compulsory education, and schools are not allowed to place any kind of financial burden on them.In the circular, DEO Rohit Chaudhary stated that no school should demand or collect such fees. He also warned schools against taking punitive action against students, such as restricting them from attending classes, withholding exam results, or subjecting them to any form of humiliation over non-payment.Schools have been instructed to inform their teaching and administrative staff about these guidelines and ensure full compliance. The DEO has further warned that strict legal action will be taken against institutions found violating these rules or if complaints are received.In a related directive, schools have also been ordered not to force students or parents to purchase uniforms, textbooks, or stationery from specific shops or vendors. They have also been cautioned against compelling students to buy books from private publishers.Parents have welcomed the move, stating that such practices had were been placing an unfair financial burden on economically weaker families.