Zubair Qureshi

Ganderbal, Nov 12 (KNS) : Parents have expressed serious concern over the sudden demand for annual charges by Birla Open Mind School, Kurhama Ganderbal, alleging that the institution has gone back on its earlier assurance regarding fee structure.

They said that while submitting the admission fees in April 2024, the school authorities had clearly informed them that there was no need to pay annual charges. However, the school is now demanding Rs 6,000 as annual charges, which, according to the parents, is unusually high especially for a far-flung area like Kurhama, where such fees generally range between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000.

Parents also alleged that the school’s tuition fees are considerably higher than those of other institutions in the area. They further claimed that the administration has warned them to either deposit the amount or face the discharge of their wards, calling the move unfair and disheartening.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Tuitions and annual charges here are much higher compared to other schools in our area. This is putting unnecessary pressure on parents,” he said.

Another parent, said, “At the time of admission, we were told clearly that annual charges were not applicable. Now, after several months, the school is demanding Rs.6,000, which is totally unjustified.”

Another aggrieved parent, appealed to authorities, saying, “We request the Education Minister Sakina Ittoo and the Director, School Education Naseer Ahmad Wani to look into this matter and take strict action so that private schools stop exploiting parents.”

Parents have collectively urged the Education Department to ensure transparency and fairness in fee structures across private educational institutions in the district.(KNS)