Bangalore parents take to association idea, call in the hundreds

Soon after reading the report on the plan to launch an association of parents of children studying in private schools in the city in this newspaper on Tuesday, many harried people got in touch with AR Ashok Kumar Adiga, the man behind the idea.

The association is all set to be launched on 15 January, at Ambedkar Playground, Basaveshwaranagar. “If we think the gathering will be too large for the playground, we will shift the venue to the National College Grounds,” said Adiga, overwhelmed by the number of people calling.

Many parents expressed anxiety about capitation fees and phenomenal hikes in fees annually. “You will not be able to believe that I get calls from parents sending children to some of the most prestigious schools in the city,” said Adiga.

There are also parents keen to protect their identity, as they fear that schools might turn hostile to the children. Even so, many parents have expressed their willingness to file complaints. “It is a really good thing that the parents will soon have a forum from which they can work collectively. I called Adiga immediately, and discussed the problems I have been facing,” said Ravindra, a resident of Sarjapur.

There were parents who suggested that Adiga open a Facebook account in the name of Bangalore School Parents Association (BSPA). “ I will do that. My objective is to create awareness among parents,” Adiga said.

Among the most often cited complaints were the collection of capitation fees, hike in annual fees by up to 40% each year, and frequent changes of uniform, causing unnecessary expense.

There were also complaints about the lack of properly qualified teachers in some schools. One parent said that a prominent city school had decided to hike fees by a whopping `750 per month. Adiga said that parents sought to know what they could do to restrain the schools from introducing such major hikes in fees. “We will meet to discuss further action,” Adiga.

There are plans to ensure that the parents’ association has a presence in all the private schools in the city. “This should be the end of domination that managements of private schools have so far enjoyed. It will serve as a forum to keep a check,” said Adiga.