New Delhi: The Centre has reportedly sought from the Gujarat government details of its latest move to cap fees at private schools, indicating that the same model could be replicated across the country.
According to a report in CNBC Awaaz, Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar has sought details of the Gujarat Self-Financed Schools (Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2017, which was approved by the Governor on Wednesday.
The fee structure proposed in the bill for primary, secondary and higher-secondary schools is Rs 15,000, Rs 25,000 and Rs 27,000 per year, respectively. Schools in Gujarat wanting to charge more than the specified fee will have to approach the Fee Regulatory Committee.
The committee will have jurisdiction over all private schools, whether affiliated to Gujarat Board, CBSE or international boards.
The committee can, on its own, initiate inquiry against any school found to be charging an excess fee.
It can take penal action too, such as ordering a refund of twice the amount of excess fee, imposing up to Rs 5 lakh fine for the first offence, Rs 5 to Rs 10 lakh for the second offence and cancellation of registration of the school for the third offence.
PTI quoted state education minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama as saying that the bill has piqued the interest of some other states as well. "After we introduced (the bill), states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra sought copies. Just yesterday (Tuesday) the Union HRD Minister too sought a copy of the Bill. It is possible that Centre is mulling to introduce such a law for the benefit of middle-class citizens," the minister said.
(With PTI inputs)
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