Govt to form body to monitor school fee

Bill to be presented in Punjab Assembly after cabinet’s approval

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for School Education Dr Murad Raas said the draft bill for the constitution of a new authority to deal private schools’ fees was with the ministry of law and it would be presented to
the assembly after the cabinet’s approval.

The minister said schools taking fees of more than 5,000 would be bound to return 20% of the collected amount in December as per the Supreme Court’s order. Talking to the media outside the Punjab Assembly, Dr Raas said the orders of the Supreme Court about the reduction of fees would be implemented at all costs. “If any school does not comply with the law, its registration would be suspended.”

He said 20% from the fees voucher of September has been refunded and 50% of summer vacation fees would be adjusted in future fees. The last date of refunding and returning 20% from the summer vacation fees would be December 31.

“An authority will be formed, which will include all the stakeholders, including parents, the government and the representatives of private schools,” the minister said. Meanwhile, he also stated that vacancies for the posts of teachers are available in approximately 8,000 schools.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15^th, 2018.