To provide relief to parents, the Gujarat government asked all private schools to take a 25 per cent cut in annual school fees. Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said that school owners have agreed to collect 25 per cent less fees from students during the current academic year.
The decision to give relief to parents of school-going children was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, said the minister.
This decision is applicable to all schools affiliated with various boards, including the CBSE and international boards, he said.
Parents who have already paid the entire year’s fees are entitled to get refund after adjusting 25 per cent cut, the minister said.
Also read: Gujarat Govt asks private schools not to collect fees from students
In another relief, Chudasama said since schools are not functioning physically due to the pandemic, they cannot collect charges related to transport, library, computer and sports activities.
In August, the high court had quashed a government order which prohibited private schools from collecting tuition fees until they reopened.
The court had also asked the government to sit with representatives of private schools and find an amicable solution to the fee issue.
But the government approached the HC earlier this month, saying no solution was found as the apex school association was not ready to cut tuition fee by 25 per cent as proposed by the state, so the court should issue necessary directions.
