Will not allow mid-session fee hike by private schools: Smriti Irani

Amritsar: Private schools will not be allowed to hike fees in the middle of a session and any increase at the start of the academic year would also need to be consulted with parent-teacher associations, Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani said on Sunday.

"We have proposed to states that if private schools want to hike fees in the beginning of a session, it has to be done in consultations with parent-teacher associations, but we will not allow mid-session fee hike," Irani said.

There has been a growing resentment among parents about inordinately high private school fees, the Minister said, adding that her ministry has received several complaints regarding the issue.

The Centre has proposed this to states, Irani said, adding the Punjab government will soon take a decision on this matter.

Irani was here to attend the foundation stone laying ceremony of IIM-Amritsar's own campus. 

Irani assured full support to the Punjab government in its plans to consolidate schools lacking proper amenities.

"The Government of India has asked the state if they want to consolidate the schools... Where the schools lack proper infrastructure and if they want to tie up with bigger schools, then the Centre will fully support the state so that from class 1-12 can study under one roof with full amenities," Irani said.