Press For Simpler FRC Process, Quicker RTE Reimbursements
A memorandum was submitted to the collector by Vupsa
Vadodara: Black bands and a memorandum marked a coordinated push by private schools in Vadodara on Monday as managements sought action on four long-pending issues, including fee regulation, delayed RTE reimbursements and autonomy in staff appointments.Private school managements wore black bands and submitted a memorandum to the district collector and district education officer, seeking resolution of issues concerning self-financed schools.The memorandum was submitted by the Vadodara Unaided Private School Association (Vupsa) as part of a statewide programme of the Gujarat Self-Financed School Management Federation. The association raised four key demands: simplification of the Fee Regulatory Committee (FRC) procedure, timely reimbursement for students admitted under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, greater autonomy in staff appointments and a common government portal for school-related circulars and notifications.On the FRC process, the federation sought exemption from the detailed approval procedure for schools seeking a fee increase of up to 10%. It proposed that such schools be allowed to submit a proposal or affidavit for direct approval.The association also sought timely payment of the Rs 10,000-per-student RTE reimbursement, citing delays despite court directions and government guidance.It opposed provisions relating to the appointment and removal of employees in self-financed schools under the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (Amendment) Bill, 2026, arguing that such institutions do not receive govt grants or financial assistance.The federation also sought a common portal for circulars and notifications issued by the govt and education department, saying it would reduce repeated requests for information and simplify compliance.The memorandum stated that the federation could consider further collective action if the issues remain unresolved. It also assured that students’ academic activities would not be disrupted.
