LAHORE: A good number of parents have heaved a sigh of relief as many private educational institutions have implemented the decision of the Lahore High Court (LHC), restraining them from collecting three-month summer vacation fees in advance by issuing three post-dated challans to their students.

However, a large number of parents could not get benefit from the LHC decision as they had already paid the consolidated fees besides submitting the additional charges for the ‘compulsory’ summer camps being arranged at private educational institutions.

The Punjab education department had earlier notified that all campuses, in the public and private sector, would remain closed for summer vacation from June 1 to Aug 15 this year. The notification also directed the private institutions neither to charge fees for the entire vacation in advance nor to hold any summer camps.

Upholding the notification, the LHC directed the education department to keep the masses informed about this decision through publication of advertisements in national dailies.

Three post-dated challans issued to students

Meanwhile, private school administrations continued collecting three-month full fees, including utility, lab and miscellaneous charges, in advance from the parents on the arguments that they have to maintain the building and furniture, pay salaries to teachers besides utility bills during the summer vacation.

Schools operating in rented buildings are informing the parents that they also have to pay to the landlord.

However, a survey conducted by Dawn revealed a different picture. Many of the private institutions charging three-month full fees in advance from students either paid half or no salaries to teachers during the summer vacation. The utility charges also considerably decreased and in many cases the administrations merely paid `line or meter rent’ during the summer vacation last year.

An official of the All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association said all member institutions had implemented the LHC decision in letter and spirit.

“The government should initiate stern action against all such (private) institutions found charging full fees from students in advance and not paying salaries to teachers during the summer holidays,” said the official.

The executive district officer (education) was not available for comment in spite of many attempts.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2015

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