The Sindh government has issued a strict warning to private schools regarding unauthorized fee increases and hidden charges, with potential suspension or cancellation of registration for non-compliance. The directive, issued by Private Institutions Additional Director General Prof Rafia Mallah, follows numerous complaints against institutions charging fees beyond approved limits or imposing extra costs on parents.
Violation of Established Rules
According to the notification, charging any fee other than the approved tuition fee without prior permission from the registration authority violates Rule 7(4) of the Sindh Private Educational Institutions (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2005. Furthermore, under Rule 7(6), collecting tuition fees in violation of rules or charging any additional fee without approval constitutes a punishable offense under Section 21 of the Sindh Private Educational Institutions (Regulation and Control) Ordinance, 2001, making institutions liable to penalties.
Transparency Requirements
Prof Mallah directed school administrations to strictly adhere to approved fee structures, display details prominently on notice boards and reception areas, and provide copies to parents on demand. The directive explicitly prohibits collection of any hidden or extra charges beyond the approved fee. Schools found violating these instructions face strict legal action under Section 8 of the ordinance, including suspension or cancellation of their registration certificate.
Unregistered Schools Must Apply
All unregistered and illegally operating schools have been directed to apply for registration within 15 days through the official online portal. The notification also advised individuals, organizations, and societies intending to establish schools to ensure compliance with all standards and facilities set by the Sindh School Education Department before applying for registration. Institutions failing to meet required criteria will not be granted registration, and action will be initiated through deputy commissioners to shut down such schools, with students to be adjusted in nearby institutions.
