Focus on NCERT books, NOC for swimming pools
Spitting case
Noida: The district fee regulatory committee, chaired by the district magistrate, met on Tuesday to review rules for private schools in Noida. It capped fee increases at 7.23%, applicable only to admission fees for the current academic year.The committee also issued a series of directives aimed at ensuring transparency and easing the financial burden on parents. Schools operating swimming pools were told to obtain an NOC from the administration and appoint both male and female coaches.As per the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Self-Financed Independent Schools (Fee Regulation) Act, 2018, the approved hike corresponds to the Consumer Price Index plus 5%, taking the total increase to 7.23% over the previous year’s fee.DM Medha Roopam said the committee aims to “strike a balance between the operational needs of schools and the financial concerns of parents”. She added that schools must strictly adhere to the notified limit and upload complete fee details on their official websites. “Transparency is non-negotiable. Parents have the right to clear and accessible information on fee structures,” she said.The committee also directed that students cannot be compelled to purchase books, uniforms or other materials from specific vendors. “Schools have also been asked to prioritise textbooks published by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to standardise learning and reduce costs,” Roopam said.The meeting was attended by senior officials, education representatives and parent members.“Frequent changes in textbooks and uniforms place an unnecessary burden on parents. Schools must avoid such practices unless absolutely necessary and approved by the samiti. Uniform changes, in particular, have been restricted to once every five academic years, subject to prior approval. Schools are directed to refrain from changing textbooks every year,” she added.The committee also introduced safety and compliance measures. “Schools operating swimming pools must obtain mandatory permissions and ensure gender-appropriate coaching staff, with male coaches for boys and female coaches for girls,” said the DM.To strengthen grievance redressal, parents can now file complaints related to fee hikes or other issues via the committee’s official email at feecommitteegbn@gmail.com.“Upon receiving a complaint from any student, guardian, parent or teachers’ association, the committee may, after due inquiry and attempts at resolution, impose penalties for violations. For a first violation, the committee may direct the school to refund any excess fee collected and impose a monetary penalty of up to Rs 1 lakh. In case of a second violation, a penalty of Rs 5 lakh may be imposed along with a refund of the excess amount. For a third violation, the committee may withdraw permission for the development fund for a specified period and recommend withdrawal of recognition or affiliation granted by the concerned board or council. All schools are expected to comply strictly with these guidelines. Any deviation will invite stringent action,” she added.“Every complaint will be examined thoroughly, and strict action will be taken in cases of violation,” Roopam said.
