Srinagar, Aug 5: The Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) has prohibited private educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir from charging “security deposits” or any other unapproved fees, terming the practice an attempt to bypass statutory provisions.
According to a circular issued by Justice (Retd.) Sunil Hali, Chairperson of the FFRC a copy of which lies with news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, complaints have been received alleging that some private schools are collecting security deposits from parents at the time of admission, ostensibly in place of admission fees.
The committee has reminded school heads of Section 20-C of the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Act, 2002, and Rule 8(2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools (Fixation, Determination and Regulation of Fee) Rules, 2022, which strictly prohibit the collection of any fees beyond the tuition and annual charges approved by the FFRC.
Parents who have already deposited such amounts have been urged to file formal complaints with the Committee. “The identity of complainants shall be kept strictly confidential,” the circular reads. (JKNS)
