The Sindh government has issued a stern warning to private schools against increasing tuition fees or collecting hidden charges without prior approval, cautioning that violators could face suspension or cancellation of their registrations. The directive was issued by Additional Director General of Private Institutions Sindh, Professor Rafia Mallah, after authorities received complaints that several private schools were charging tuition fees higher than those approved by the registration authority and imposing additional unauthorised charges on parents.
Legal Framework and Penalties
According to an official notification, charging any fee beyond the approved tuition fee without prior permission violates Rule 7(4) of the Sindh Private Educational Institutions (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2005. The notification further states that under Rule 7(6), collecting unauthorised fees is a punishable offence under Section 21 of the Sindh Private Educational Institutions (Regulation and Control) Ordinance, 2001, making violators liable to fines and legal action.
Compliance Requirements
Professor Mallah directed all private schools to collect only the fees approved by the registration authority. Schools have also been instructed to prominently display their approved fee structure on notice boards and reception desks and provide copies to parents upon request. The circular warned that institutions found demanding hidden or extra charges would face strict action, including suspension or cancellation of their registration under Section 8 of the ordinance.
Registration Deadline for Unregistered Schools
The Sindh government also instructed all unregistered private schools to apply for registration within 15 days through the official online portal. It warned that institutions failing to comply with legal and educational requirements could be shut down, with students shifted to nearby registered schools.
