Security price tag: Private schools barred from charging extra fee

Those defying CADD directives to be penalised

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) on Wednesday barred all the private educational institutes from charging extra fees from students in the name of security charges.

The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira) has warned that schools and colleges that failure to comply with the directives would result in penalties.

The orders were issued after Peira learnt some schools in sectors H-8, F-8, F-9 and some other parts of the capital had begun charging such additional fees.

“Parents of students at a few of schools approached us and asked if schools were allowed by us to charge security fees. We have issued no such order or permission,” said a Peira official.

Schools are reportedly charging Rs500 to Rs5,000 from the students in new fee plans. “Why are they charging us, when it is their responsibility to secure the premises of educational institutes,” said Intikhab Amir, who has two children enrolled at a private school in Sector H-8.

After the Peshawar attack, Peira ordered over 1,000 educational institutes to enhance security measures and meet basic precautionary requirements. To cover the cost, some private institutes have started charging security fee from students without informing CADD, which is a prerequisite under the PEIRA Act.

According to a press release, CADD State Minister Barrister Usman Ibrahim said that action would be taken against private schools found charging extra fees. He said that they would be fined and penalised for the violation.

The new Peira chairperson and Joint Secretary Omer Hameed said that wrongdoers would not be spared.

“The security of students and premises is an integral precondition for educational institutes, therefore, charging extra... in the name of security is not justified,” the minister was quoted as saying to the chairperson.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2015.