THERE is a debate on private schools’ fee increase. Your readers should be able to easily evaluate the following points.

The five per cent increase in fees should apply if there is a shortage of schools. It cannot apply where there is virtually unlimited choice of schools. There can be no price control unless all the costs are considered, e.g. salaries, textbooks, water, security, electricity, etc. Price control can apply only if the products or services have the same standards.

There are a large number of schools and a five per cent increase in the fee cannot be applied to all. There are purpose-built schools on huge costs, others pay rent. Facilities such as playgrounds, auditoriums, libraries, computer labs, air-conditioning, etc., must be considered.

Annual inflation rates for water, electricity and security cannot be overcome with just a five per cent increase in the fee. Parents feel trapped if fees are unreasonably increased. It is difficult for them to switch over to another school and pay the admission fee afresh. In such cases, parents should have recourse to arbitration by the education department.

Teachers’ and non-teaching staff is salaries are 70 to 80pc of the running cost. A good student-teacher ratio is important, but is expensive. The five per cent fee increase limit is a disincentive for hiring good teachers.

Military schools give a fee discount of 25pc to 50pc. We give 75pc to armed forces children. Teachers and staff’s children and siblings get discounts.

Many schools borrow money to operate the schools. Bank interest rates are at 15pc. Teacher training costs are high. Franchised schools pay a part of their fees to the franchiser. Introductory fees are low. Later they are increased to make profits. School business entails marketing expenses.

Syed Hilaluddin

Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2018