AS the father of three children who go to a Roman Catholic missionary school located in Khudadad Colony, catering to children from middle and lower-middle class families, I was shocked to learn about the extraordinary addition to the monthly fees to be effective from the new academic year. Last year, the monthly fee was raised by Rs200, but this time the enhancement is to the tune of Rs500. Likewise, the monthly computer fee has gone up by Rs500 instead of Rs 200.

What is no less disheartening is that the parents are forced to buy textbooks from the school administration. If they go to Urdu Bazaar, the same books are available at a much lower price. The parents will also have the advantage of purchasing second-hand books from various shops and through family connections. But no such arrangements are being allowed by the school administration.

Finally, one wonders why the school management refuses to accept cheques or even bank drafts against the monthly fee. One smells a rat when they insist on all payments to be made in cash.

An affected parent
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2022