Minorities panel will send notice to St Mary’s School in Mazgaon

A day after St Mary’s School, Mazgaon, was de-recognised by an order of the deputy director of education for charging capitation fees, support poured in for the school from many quarters.

“We find the decision to be unjust. Most private schools levy capitation fees. We will be sending a notice to the deputy director, the school and the PTA. The school is of repute, and we will see if it merited de-recognition,” said vice-chairman of the minorities commission Abraham Mathai.

The Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) issued a press release, stating that it would ask all Catholic institutes in the city to remain shut for a day. “This is a clear indication of vindictiveness on the part of the deputy director. There are long-pending issues like non-payment of grants,” said Joseph Dias, CSF member.

School education minister Rajendra Darda said: “The deputy director’s decision is right. If he is receiving a lot of complaints, he has to act. Students should not be at a disadvantageous position.”