Mysore/Mysuru: Following complaints that some schools are demanding parents of students to remit school fee for the academic year (2020-21) even as uncertainty persists on re-opening of schools, Mysuru DDPI has warned schools against collection of fees from students in the name of conducting online classes.

In a circular issued to schools,  DDPI Dr. Panduranga said that the Commissioner of the Department of Public Instruction, had earlier issued an order asking schools not to hike any fee this year (2020-21) in the wake of the economic crisis triggered by the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus. The schools will have to face action if they went ahead with hiking the fee in violation of the order. They have also been warned against  annual fee collection well in advance in the name of conducting online classes.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, DDPI Panduranga said that following complaints that some schools were forcing parents of students to remit the annual  school fee even before the reopening of schools, the department has directed the Block Education Officers (BEOs) to look into the matter and take suitable action against such schools found violating the Government orders, circulars and other directives in respect of annual fee collection. 

Asserting that stern action will be taken against errant schools, he said that the parents can complain to him directly (Mob:  94489-99349) if they are coerced by school managements to pay fees within a deadline.

The parents can either call him directly or give a complaint in writing to the department office, he added.

Referring to the problems faced by children in rural areas in accessing online classes, Dr. Panduranga said that the parents can inform or write to the department if they have financial difficulty in getting an Android mobile phone to their wards or problems in getting internet connections. The department, after collating all such letters, will forward the same to the Government for consideration, he added.