The Sindh government has issued a strict warning to private schools across the province regarding reported fee increases and unauthorised charges, cautioning that institutions found violating regulations could face suspension or cancellation of their registration. Additional Director General of Private Institutions, Prof Rafia Mallah, released a directive addressed to all private school heads following numerous complaints from parents about schools charging fees beyond the approved amounts and imposing hidden or extra charges.
Violations Under Existing Rules and Ordinance
The notification clarifies that charging any fee other than the approved tuition fee without prior permission from the registration authority constitutes a clear violation of Rule 7(4) of the Sindh Private Educational Institutions (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2005. Furthermore, under Rule 7(6), collecting tuition fees in contravention of the rules or imposing any additional fee without approval is deemed a punishable offence under Section 21 of the Sindh Private Educational Institutions (Regulation and Control) Ordinance, 2001. Institutions found guilty of such violations are liable to penalties as prescribed by law.
Transparency Measures and Prohibitions
Prof Mallah directed school administrations and principals to strictly adhere to the approved fee structures. Schools are required to display the fee details prominently on notice boards and at reception areas, and to provide copies to parents upon demand to ensure full transparency. The directive explicitly prohibits the collection of any hidden or extra charges beyond the approved fee. Authorities have warned that any school found violating these instructions will face strict legal action under Section 8 of the ordinance, which includes the possibility of suspension or cancellation of the institution's registration certificate.
Deadline for Unregistered Schools
Additionally, all unregistered and illegally operating schools have been directed to apply for registration within 15 days through the official online portal. The notification also advises individuals, organisations, and societies intending to establish new schools to ensure compliance with all standards and facilities set by the Sindh School Education Department before applying for registration. This move aims to regulate the private education sector and protect parents from arbitrary fee hikes and hidden charges, ensuring a transparent and accountable system for all stakeholders.
