The District Education Officer (DEO) of Ahmedabad has issued a stern notice to a Rajasthan Hindi High School for allegedly demanding money amounting Rs.1000 from students to install air conditioners in classrooms. The move came after complaints from parents, who reported that the school was pressuring students to contribute financially towards the installation of cooling systems.
According to the DEO, the practice of asking students for additional fees beyond the prescribed tuition is a violation of education norms and guidelines. “No school is permitted to collect unauthorized funds from students or their families for infrastructural developments,” stated the DEO in the notice.
The Rajasthan school has been given a fixed deadline to respond to the notice and clarify its stance on the allegations. The DEO has warned of strict action, including potential derecognition, if the school is found guilty of breaching regulations.
Parents have lauded the DEO’s swift action, expressing hope that this will deter similar practices in the future. The education department has also urged parents and students to report any other instances of financial coercion by educational institutions.
Additionally, DEO Shree Rohit Chaudhari has required instructed school to submit a report to the DEO’s office confirming the full refund of fees.