School Education Department Issues Warning For Private Schools in Kashmir
School Education Department Issues Warning For Private Schools in Kashmir
Srinagar, Dec 23 – In anticipation of the upcoming admission season in Kashmir’s educational institutions, the School Education Department has cautioned recognized private schools against conducting screening procedures or interviews for admission. Additionally, the department highlighted that these schools should refrain from imposing capitation fees.
Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) issued a circular, as reported by ProKashmiri, highlighting instances where some recognized private schools charge capitation fees during admissions and subject students and their parents or guardians to screening tests.
The circular refers to Section 13 of the Right to Education Act 2009, stating that no school or person should collect capitation fees or subject a child, parent, or guardian to any screening procedure during admission. Violation of these provisions can result in fines, with the amount escalating for subsequent contraventions.
Capitation fee, defined as any donation, admission fee, or contribution other than the school’s notified fee, has raised concerns among parents and civil society, prompting complaints.
The DSEK emphasized that demanding admission fees by private schools contradicts the law and constitutes a punishable offense. Furthermore, it pointed out that some schools are not aligning with the revised academic session schedule, which, in adherence to NEP-2020, should commence in March.
The directive urges all private recognized schools in Kashmir to refrain from charging capitation fees and other non-notified fees, as well as to avoid conducting screening procedures or interviews during admissions.
Non-compliance may result in actions such as the cancellation of school registration.
To ensure the effective implementation of these instructions, the DSEK has appointed Chief Education Officers as nodal officers in their respective jurisdictions
