RAWALPINDI: Violating Punjab government’s instruction not to collect fees for summer vacations, private schools in Rawalpindi city and the cantonment areas have asked parents to submit three months’ fees in advance along with annual charges.

Through a letter on May 11, District Education Authority Chief Executive Officer Qazi Tariq had directed private schools not to collect fees for summer vacations in advance.

However, private school owners issued the fee slips to parents asking them to deposit the amount in advance.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) last week restrained private schools from collecting vacation fees in the capital city and the local administration implemented the decision.

Parents issued bills to pay three months’ fees along with annual charges in advance

However, the district administration and the education authority turned a blind eye to the situation in the Rawalpindi city.

When contacted, Mr Tariq said collecting fee during the summer vacations was illegal. He said the District Education Authority had started action against over 13 schools in the city and cantonment areas.

The official said the authority had received complaints from parents after which its officials visited the schools and served the owners with show-cause notices.

“There is also a ban on summer camps and private schools are not allowed to collect fee for that too,” he said.

Mr Tariq said no summer camps or tuition centres would be set up in government schools so private schools should not start any camp just to make money.

However, All-Pakistan Private School and College Owners Association President Malik Abrar said the IHC’s decision was not applicable in Rawalpindi and other parts of the province.

“Fee for summer vacations is necessary as school owners have to pay salaries to staff and teachers and meet other expenses,” he said.

Mr Abrar said the association would challenge the decision of the provincial government in the Lahore High Court (LHC) soon.

On the other hand, parents are facing difficulties in paying three months’ fees in advance along with annual charges.

Mohammad Khurram, a resident of Satellite Town, said he worked in a private company and had to pay the summer fees and annual charges for three of his children. He said he had borrowed money from friends and relatives for this.

“The fee ranges from Rs5,000 to Rs9,000. What will schools do with this money, construct new buildings,” he asked.

“Army-run schools also charge civilians more and they demand annual charges without an explanation. The government should implement its writ on all schools and check their syllabus,” said Mohammad Zubair, a resident of Westridge-III.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2018