Jaipur: The education department has removed the mandatory requirement of fixed deposits by private schools for processes such as new school recognition and upgradation.However, thousands of existing private schools in the state still have crores of rupees held in bank fixed deposits. Schools are now seeking clarity on what happens to the existing funds.An official order, issued last month, states that depending on the level of recognition, fixed deposits ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakh were previously mandated. The rule required these funds to be deposited jointly in the names of the school and the concerned district education officer.“With the aim of easing requirements related to infrastructure and equipment, the practice of collecting fixed deposits from private schools has been removed now,” said a senior official.Damodar Prasad Goyal, president of Society for Unaided Private Schools of Rajasthan, welcomed the decision, but sought clarity about fees already submitted by schools for decades.“This rule of private schools submitting fixed deposits was started around 30-40 years ago, as a means to safeguard the interests of the school staff. The idea then was that if the school shut down suddenly due to any reason, the administration would be able to pay dues to all the staff. It is good that the govt has now changed this provision, but this should also apply to all schools that have submitted the fee,” said Goyal.He added that the govt must also specify how existing schools can withdraw previously deposited fixed deposits or what steps the department will take to return the funds.“This fund was not being used either by the school or the govt; it acted like a security fund. Now, if private schools get it back, then it can be used for upliftment of schools or starting new faculties,” added Goyal.
