By: Arvind Jadhav
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is considering changes to the Maharashtra Education Institution (Fee Regulation) Act, which could bring relief to parents struggling with arbitrary fee hikes by private schools. Currently, the law requires 25% of parents to collectively file a complaint for action to be taken against schools that increase fees beyond the permissible limit.
Single Parent Can Now File Complaint
A committee set up by the school education department has recommended that a single parent should be able to file a complaint against fee hikes. This move aims to make it easier for parents to seek redressal against arbitrary fee increases.
Committee’s Recommendations
The committee, comprising education and legal experts, studied the Gujarat Self-Financed Schools (Fee Regulation) Act, 2017. The Gujarat law takes into account operational costs, demand and supply, and cost of living in different areas while fixing fees. The committee has recommended adopting similar provisions in Maharashtra, considering the state’s unique requirements.
New Provisions
The proposed changes aim to make the fee regulation process more effective and transparent. The state government is likely to set up a mechanism for parents to file complaints and seek redressal against arbitrary fee hikes. This move is expected to bring relief to parents who have been struggling with fee increases in private schools.
