25 per cent cut in tuition fees of schools across all education boards in Gujarat; 100 per cent waiver in fees for other activities

Gandhinagar: Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, State Education minister today announced 25 per cent cut in school fees across all the school boards including CBSC for present academic year. There will be 100 per cent waiver in fees on other activities. Those who have already paid full payment of fees will be offered adjustment by schools. Chudasama made this announcement before the media persons soon after the meeting of the State cabinet. Chudasama said school managements have agreed to 25 per cent fee cut. He said none teacher will be relieved from job in private schools.

Official note:

Keeping in mind the guardians’ widespread representations, Gujarat Government today decided to provide 25 per cent rebate in fees in all private schools, including CBSE, IB, ICSE and CSE, in the larger interest of the people.

The important decision was taken by the State Cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitinbhai Patel after considering threadbare discussions with guardians and school managements in the interest of the students.

Explaining the rationals behind the decision, Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasma said the Council of Ministers took into consideration a series of government’s meeting with both school managements and parents associations in the light of Gujarat High Court directives and rulings in the matter. And both parties agreed with the State Government.

He said that schools cannot charge this year miscellaneous fees like transportation, library, computer, sports, entertainment and other heads. This decision will be binding on schools which joined Fee Regulatory Committee (FRC).

The Minister thanked the schools for spontaneously and voluntarily agreeing to provide 25 per cent rebate in fees. He also appealed to both the parties to work in the interest of the students and said that there should be no animosity or bitterness between the two.

He appealed to guardians to must deposit 50 per cent of their wards’ fees by October 31. Those parents who had earlier paid full fees will be compensated at par.

The also clarified in clear terms that private school managements cannot terminate the service of any teacher in lieu of providing fee rebate. This is in response to the government receiving complaints of teachers not receiving their salary or being fired.

Reacting to the opposition Congress party’s demand for 100 per cent rebate in fees, Mr. Chudasma asked them to cite any example of any Congress-ruled state having done so.

He hoped that with Gujarat will make all round development in the field of education with the implementation of the Union Government’s New Education Policy in the state under the leadership of the Chief Minister.