Waiver of school fees: Odisha govt submits report before HC

Cuttack: The Odisha government today submitted a report on waiver of school fees during a hearing by the Orissa High Court.

During a meeting under chairmanship of School and Mass Education Department Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, a committee comprising representatives from parents’ association, petitioners, private school teachers’ association and Confederation of Public School proposed waiver of school fees in cases of seven different types of schools, the report stated.

Out of 15 members of the committee, 14 members approved the proposal, it added.

All school fees up to Rs 6,000, there will be nil waiver whereas school fees from Rs 6,001 to Rs 12,000 per annum, the committee proposed a waiver of 7.5%.

Similarly, school fees from Rs 12,001 to Rs 24,000 per annum, a proposal was made for waiver of 12%. For school fees from Rs 24,001 to Rs 48,000 per annum, a waiver of 15% was proposed.

The report further stated school fees in the range of Rs 48,001 to Rs 72,000 per annum, a waiver of 20% was proposed. There should be waiver of 25% in case of school fees in the range of Rs 72,001 to Rs 1 lakh per annum.

For school fees above Rs 1 lakh per annum, there should be a waiver of 26%.

The report suggested schools should ask for transport and food charges as per actual. In case of hostel fees, flat 30% waiver must be given. The other optional fees should not be charged during pandemic period till schools reopen.

During a hearing by a division bench comprising Orissa High Court Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq and Justice BR Sarangi, some private schools opposed the proposals. But the petitioners stated the proposals have been suggested after discussion with all stakeholders.

The division bench completed its hearing and asked all stakeholders to submit their arguments in written format. The court reserved its verdict on the matter.