PANJIM, JUNE 14
Following a representation by the parents to the Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate with their grievances, the State government on Monday directed the Mustifund school management to hold back the fee hike of the primary students until further decision.
According to the parents, the Mustifund school management had raised the fee from Rs 550 to Rs 800 in April this year, during admissions to the new academic year.
“However, we were in for more shock when the school re-opened. The management gave a notice that the fee has been increased from Rs 800 to Rs 1350 based on government recommendation,” a parent said speaking to Herald on condition of anonymity.
The management gave the reason that the fee hike was necessary for paying the teachers according to government scales, the parents stated.
The parents today met the education minister in his chamber, who assured them to take a decision in the matter by evening.
By evening the Education Department issued directions to the school to hold back the fee hike.
“We have asked them to hold back the fee hike,” Education Director Celsa Pinto told Herald.
It may be recalled recently the government appointed committee had submitted a fee structure to be followed by all schools after complaints of heavy fees being charged by the private schools.
The education director said that the minister has decided to ask the committee to take a re-look into the fee structure.
“Until than we have asked the Mustifund management to refund the excess fee collected to the parents,” she stated.
