The parents association has once again reportedly moved the Gujarat High Court for a 50% reduction in school fees. The move comes after the state government failed to make any announcement regarding concession in fees this year.
The state had announced a 25% reduction in school fees for the year 2020-21 after the first COVID wave and the resultant lockdown. The move came after the Parents Association had filed a PIL in the matter last year.
The lockdown had led to schools remaining closed for several months and education moving online. The lockdown had also severely impacted the livelihood of many parents, many of whom had lost their jobs.
The parents association at that time had sought a reduction in school fees stating that it was not fair for schools to collect the full fee which also included transport, food and other expenses at a time when schools were not functioning physically. They argued that since schools were closed food and transportation expenses were not being incurred.
Following the demand and extensive negotiations with both parents and schools, the government had announced a 25% reduction in fees.
But now schools and colleges have reopened and there is talk that classes 6 to 8 will also be opened by September.
The state government has so far not made any announcement for a reduction in school fees this year. Hence, The All Gujarat Parents Association has moved the high court seeking a 50% reduction in fees.
Earlier, the government had hinted at the possibility of fees being slashed for this year. But so far, no official announcement has been made.
The parents association during the earlier PIL had argued that since schools had not reopened it did not make sense for the school to charge the full fees