CBSE Schools Must Display Fee Structure; Unilateral Fee Hike Not Allowed: Child Rights Commission

Thiruvananthapuram: The Child Rights Commission has directed that CBSE schools in Kerala to strictly adhere to their affiliation bye-laws and circulars, and that schools following the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) comply fully with its rules and regulations, according to an order issued by Commission Chairperson K. V. Manoj Kumar.

The order mandates that schools prominently display their fee structure on their official websites and notice boards. It also calls for the formation of a state-level committee to regulate and approve school fee structures. In addition, the Commission has recommended the implementation of a special scheme to provide scholarships and fee concessions to students.

Until a fee regulatory committee is constituted, schools have been directed not to impose arbitrary fee hikes without the approval of the parent-teacher association (PTA). The Commission further instructed authorities to verify whether schools are complying with child-friendly and differently-abled-friendly guidelines. This includes ensuring the availability of adequate toilets, ramps, accessible toilets for differently-abled students, and safe playground facilities.

The order also directed that school counselors be appointed in all schools to provide students with social and emotional support.

The Commission noted that entrance coaching classes conducted in CBSE and ICSE schools in Kerala during the academic year have led to increased mental stress among students due to pressure from teachers and parents, in some cases resulting in suicides. The observations were made based on a complaint filed by Manakkad Manish Commission, which highlighted the financial and emotional burden on parents who are compelled to invest heavily in entrance coaching over two years in the hope of securing their children’s future.

The Commission has directed the CBSE Chairperson, Secretary, Regional Officer, as well as the Secretary and Director of the Department of General Education, to submit a report on action taken within 60 days.