Top court’s decision aimed at covering all sundry expenses, surplus; schools asked to respond by June 17
The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the schools and the state government to work out a new formula to determine fees that takes care of all curricular expenses with reasonable surplus, and submit it by June 17.
The apex court was hearing a petition filed by schools about the Gujarat Self-Financed Schools (Regulation of Fees) Act, 2017.
Speaking about the order, Association of Progressive Schools spokesperson MP Chandran said: "The court has directed the schools to work out a new formula for determining fees which will take care of all expenses along with reasonable surplus and submit it to the government.
"Any Act should enable good schools to progress and perish the bad ones. This order will bring in more transparency in the way fees are charged.
"The government will be assured that schools are not making undue profit and schools will have incentive to give quality education. The Supreme Court has stated that the surplus by schools can only be used for educational purposes."
He was present in the court during the hearing.
During previous hearings, the court had asked the government to revise the lower-cut off for the school fees and categorise schools as per boards. However, the government revised the lower-cut off, but did not categorise the schools.
"After this order, the rules have to be modified," sources told DNA.
"The Supreme Court has agreed to the fact that not all schools can charge same fees as the facilities provided are different. Schools can charge extra if they are providing extra facilities, but the surplus must be used for educational purposes."
Dharmesh Patel, member of Vali Swaraj Manch, said: "This will not benefit parents. With the order, the court has allowed schools and the government to come to an amicable solution."
The order was not made available at the time of going to press.
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