OWING to the Covid-19 situation in the country, the academic year remained suspended for most part of the year. The ongoing session has also been extended by private schools till August 2021 in compliance with government directives.

However, the private schools are not willing to compromise on their financial losses and have decided to keep charging regular annual increase in school fees, which is to come into effect immediately as per the routine practice.

This is quite unfair on the parents as they will have to bear the increased cost in a year which has seen unprecedented financial and human loss. What the annual increase means is that the current academic session will run for only six to eight months if most of the population is vaccinated.

The extension of the academic session, coupled with on and off suspensions/resumptions of school activities and reduced class timings, have already spoiled the routine of many children, especially those in junior classes.

Moreover, maximum syllabus was tried to be covered by the school managements in the least possible time which did not only burden the children, but also their parents as they are the ones who did the teaching for most part of the last year. In view of the above, the relevant authorities should take notice of this undue increase in school fee prior to the commencement of the new academic session by private schools. They may be asked not to do so, especially when no one is sure about the duration of the current academic year.

Chaudhry Yasir
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2021