Private schools in Ranchi to face penalties, de-recognition for ‘arbitrary’ fee hike

Ranchi: Private schools in the city found hiking fees arbitrarily will face stiff penalties ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh, officials said. A district-level inquiry and decision committee was officially constituted on Friday under the chairmanship of Ranchi deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri to oversee and regulate fee structures across private schools.

The committee has been established in compliance with the Jharkhand Education Tribunal (Amendment) Act, 2017. It is empowered to take action against schools charging fees beyond prescribed limits. The committee possesses full authority to determine fees, summon witnesses, order the disclosure of financial documents, and receive evidence during its proceedings.

If any school implements a fee hike without the committee’s prior approval, the administration will not only impose fines but also initiate the process to revoke the institute’s recognition. Furthermore, schools are now mandated to clearly display information regarding the constitution of the committee and its members on both their notice boards and official websites.

In a further push for transparency, every private school is now required to form a parent-teacher association (PTA) alongside a school-level fee determination committee. The administration has also clamped down on commercial activities, prohibiting the sale or purchase of books, uniforms, footwear, or other materials on school premises. Schools are prohibited from compelling or inducing students and parents to purchase supplies from specific establishments or kiosks.

Adhering to Section 7(A)(3) of the Act, school buildings and premises must be utilised for educational purposes. Bhajantri said, “These measures have been undertaken to safeguard the interests of parents and ensure quality and transparency in education.”

He urged all private institutes to strictly follow the statutory provisions and encouraged parents to contact the committee regarding any grievances.

The committee, headed by DC, includes the district education officer, district education superintendent, transport officer and a chartered accountant. The panel also features the principals of two private schools, parent representatives from another two schools, and all MPs and MLAs from Ranchi district.