Maharashtra to Revise School Fee Rules After Extra Charges Spark Outrage

In response to growing complaints from parents, the Maharashtra government is set to amend the Regulation of Fee Act to prevent schools from collecting unjustified charges under various non-academic heads. The aim is to make the law more transparent and parent-friendly.

Government Moves to Rein in School Fee Exploitation

The state is witnessing a surge in complaints regarding schools demanding payments under different categories, such as camps, sports, and lab activities, in addition to regular academic fees. School Education Minister Dada Bhuse confirmed that changes to the Fee Regulation Act are underway to tighten these loopholes. He has invited legislative members to submit suggestions to be included in the revised framework.

Concerns Raised Over Poor Parental Representation in PTAs

During a legislative session, BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar pointed out that most schools with over 2,000 students have Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) comprising only 12 to 15 members. He proposed that at least 50% of the PTA should consist of parents to ensure fair representation and participation in decisions such as fee hikes.

Broader Definition of Fees Under Consideration

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai noted that the existing regulations only account for academic charges. He urged the government to bring all kinds of fees, including those under extracurricular heads, under the Act’s purview. This would prevent schools from bypassing rules by labelling fees differently.

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Drafting of Amendments in Progress

Bhuse acknowledged these ongoing issues and reiterated that amendments to the Act are actively being drafted. He assured that every complaint raised would be taken into account to build a stronger regulatory mechanism. The education department is expected to introduce a revised version of the Act soon.

Conclusion

Maharashtra’s decision to update the Fee Regulation Act aims to address long-standing parental concerns over unjustified school charges and poor PTA representation. By closing loopholes and making the framework more inclusive, the state hopes to enforce fairer fee practices across educational institutions.

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