A HISTORIC EVENT

The District of Coimbatore has once again set an example for the rest of the state in terms of dealing with the issues relating to private schools. We are thankful to the District Collector, Shri. M. Karunakaran and the District Administration for enabling this District to once again achieve a distinction of setting an example.

          Last time, it was from Coimbatore that the flame of resistance to indiscriminate fee hike by private schools spread across the state in 2009.  The protests by parents –from the middle class who otherwise would not have taken the strain to take to the streets – made the Government bring in legislation to determine fees in private schools.

          With the private schools giving scant regard to the fees determined as per the said law – which to their chagrin was upheld by the Supreme Court – and keep demanding fees as per their own sweet will and wish, parents have once again been forced to seek the intervention of the Government to ensure that the ‘Rule of Law’ in this matter, does prevail.

          On being petitioned by the COC Of SWAP, Cbe on 13.2.2012, the District Collector, Coimbatore had promised to call for a triparte talks.

          He kept his word by calling the representatives of the Parent Bodies, the Managements of the schools, who had themselves made subsequent petitions and held discussions in the presence of the Officers of the Educational Departement, Police, Revenue and the Corporation. 

          In brief the District Collector has given the following directions:

• Parents may represent their grievances regarding private school fees and related subjects, to the Chief Educational Officer, Coimbatore, who as the head of a five member committee in the District will give his findings on the complaint within 30 days to the District Collector, with a copy to the complainant.  Parents need not therefore hold any more demonstrations before the schools for getting their grievances redressed.
• Schools shall not compel parents to pay donations.  They shall not collect any fees over and above the fees determined by the committee.  If they have grievance regarding the determined amount, they may get it revised through legal means and until then they shall not collect more than that is determined.
• Schools shall not make extra-curricular activities compulsory.
• If the complaints against any of the above issues are found true, severe action will be taken against the schools which may affect their recognition also.

The parent bodies have heaved a sigh of relief.  The directions have been encouraging.  Reporters from the press have asked us immediately after the said meeting as to whether we think that this meeting will make any effect on the scenario.  We have stated that since many of the managements have been barging about ‘nobody can do anything to us’, with this categorical statement by the head of the District Administration, we feel that they will understand the signal that the Government is with the people and therefore there will be a difference in the attitude of the School Managements.