Demand to Curb Private Schools’ Arbitrary Practices in Himachal, Parents’ Forum Warns of Protest

The Chhatra Abhivak Sangh (Students Parents Forum) of Himachal Pradesh has intensified its demand for the formation of a law and a regulatory commission to curb arbitrary fee hikes, financial exploitation, and commission-based profiteering by private schools.

The forum has accused private schools of forcing parents to buy books and uniforms from selected shops, allegedly earning commissions of ₹25 to ₹30 lakh annually through this practice.

Warning to the Government: Law Must Be Introduced in Budget Session or Face Protest

The Students Parents Forum has issued a stern warning to the government, stating that if the necessary legislation is not introduced in the upcoming budget session, they will launch a large-scale protest against government inaction.

The forum’s convenor, Vijendra Mehra, and co-convenor, Vivek Kashyap, emphasized the urgent need for an independent regulatory body to oversee the functioning of private schools.

Serious Allegations Against Private Schools

The forum has made several serious allegations against private schools, including:

• Excessive Fee Collection: Schools impose unjustified charges in the name of tuition fees, annual fees, admission fees, and other miscellaneous costs.
• Commission-Based Profiteering: Parents are forced to buy uniforms and books only from selected shops, where schools allegedly receive hefty commissions.

The forum has also urged parents to unite against these practices to put an end to the alleged profiteering by private schools.