The Maha Vikas Aaghadi (MVA) government of Maharashtra, on Wednesday, Jul 28, brought a relief to thousands of parents by announcing to slash school fees by 15% for the current academic year. The state Education Minister, Varsha Gaikwad, announced the relief making news for the parents stating that the state cabinet has decided to slash the school fees in line with the recent Supreme Court’s ruling in favour of slashing school fees in Rajasthan. Gaikwad stated that the slashing of fees is for the current academic year.
The state Education Minister showed gratitude towards the state cabinet which nodded it’s yes for the move to bring relief to the parents, guardians and students of the state of various boards in the state. She stated that the cabinet will issue an order mandating the implementation of truncated fees in all schools across the state. She advised all the parents to only pay 85% of the school fees for their wards in the school. The move is an aftermath of last week’s SC’s ruling to slash fees as the schools are closed due to COVID-19 pandemic.
“The state cabinet has decided to cut school fees by 15%. The criteria adopted by the state are on the lines of the Supreme Court’s order for Rajasthan. The decision will apply to all boards. We will issue an order in the next two to three days. Parents will have to pay only 85% of the fees for this academic year. The decision will come as a relief to parents and even students. The SC had also asked the state government to consider a cut in fees, therefore, today we have made this decision,” said Gaikwad, quoted media reports.
Gaikwad said that if any school is found mischievous in demanding full fees or hiking the fees arbitrarily, necessary action will be taken against the guilty schools. The Minister stated that the order copy will be shared with SC upon issuing it.
“Once the cabinet has taken a decision, we will share with the honourable Supreme Court. Even then if any school management does not adhere to it, then we will take action against them. The government order will cover various issues and intricacies to avoid any confusion among parents and school management,” the minister added.
