PSAJK terms 6 percent fee hike too little too late

By
Daily Excelsior
-

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 1: Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) today termed the Government decision to allow a meager 6 percent fee hike annually as too late and too little.
The Association also expressed its shock at the Government decision to stop private schools from charging one time admission fee from students as the same will crush the private sector and hurt the growth of education sector in a big way.
The Association said that the 6 per cent of fee hike is nothing when compared to the rise of prices in the market. “As per Govt order dated 2006, schools were enhancing fee by 10 percent annually. However in the backdrop of 2014 floods the then Govt revoked this order and assured us that a comprehensive education policy will be framed,” said G N Var, Chairman PSAJK.
“We are still waiting for that policy. In 2017 Govt allowed us 8 percent fee hike annually however because of an ambiguous order from FFC (Fee Fixation Committee) the Association sought clear directions. Due to fall of Govt, it took time and now the Govt has allowed us 6 percent hike which is too less as we can’t meet the market inflation and can’t pay 10 percent salary hike to our staff.”
The Association said that the FFC should have followed all India model, wherein 8-15 percent fee hike is allowed. “We want Govt to allow us charge 10 percent annually as per Govt order of 2006 and also one time admission fee as is the norm,” said Var.
The Association said that the education sector has become highly competitive and schools have to compete at global levels. Mr Var further explained that the coming of outside branded schools has also put heavy pressure on many of the low budget schools as they are forced to invest more to compete with them by investing more. “Branded schools have 3 to 4 times more fee than most of our schools. If 10 percent fee hike and the admission fee are denied to us, our students won’t be able to compete with rest of world. It will be a collective loss for society,” he added.

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