PONDA: Over 100 parents on Wednesday gathered in front of a private KG and primary school at Khandepar protesting the notice with regards to payment of fees.
Addressing media persons, the parents led by Priyanka Naik, Lalita Gawas and others said until regular classes start they will not pay the fees. They said the reason for not paying fees is COVID pandemic and added that nobody knows when the pandemic will end.
The parents claimed that during the pandemic the students were deprived of proper education and failed to understand the worksheet received on the mobiles. They further said they will not send their children to school and will not pay the fees till the pandemic ends.
However, the parents said they were willing to pay 50 per cent fees that too only when the school reopens.
Parents claimed that they were asked to pay Rs 750 per month each for months of June, July and August and also textbook fees which amount to Rs 2,500 per month. Besides, term fees of Rs 500 each for first and second terms.
They claimed that the school authorities are asking them to pay the fees first and collect textbooks later. Further the school says that the exams will commence from September 7.
“Our children know nothing about syllabus how will they be able to answer the assessment sheet provided by school. Who will teach them at home as many parents are illiterate? The exams will be of no use. Further many of us have lost our jobs. We will pay 50 per cent of the fees that too when regular classes commence,” the parents said.
The parents said they have no faith in the PTA as its members failed to represent them.
“Today, we asked PTA members to come along with us to discuss the issue with the headmistress. However, none of the members were present. When we discussed issue with her, the headmistress said she has to follow the decision of the school management”, they claimed.
