Strict Action Threatened Against Fee Violations
The Sindh government has issued a stern warning to private schools across the province, threatening suspension or cancellation of registration for those found charging fees beyond approved limits or imposing unauthorised extra charges. The directive, issued by Private Institutions Additional Director General Prof Rafia Mallah, comes in response to numerous complaints from parents regarding excessive and hidden fees.
Legal Framework and Violations
According to the official notification, charging any fee other than the approved tuition fee without prior permission from the registration authority is 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 violation of the rules or charging any additional fee without approval constitutes a punishable offence under Section 21 of the Sindh Private Educational Institutions (Regulation and Control) Ordinance, 2001, making the institution liable to penalties.
Transparency Measures Required
Prof Mallah directed school administrations and principals to strictly adhere to approved fee structures, display the details prominently on notice boards and at reception areas, and provide copies to parents on demand to ensure transparency. The directive also clearly prohibits the collection of any hidden or extra charges beyond the approved fee.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The authorities warned that any school found violating these instructions would face strict legal action under Section 8 of the ordinance, including suspension or cancellation of its registration certificate. Additionally, all unregistered and illegally operating schools have been directed to apply for registration within 15 days through the official online portal.
Requirements for New Schools
The notification also advised individuals, organisations 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. It warned that institutions failing to meet the required criteria would not be granted registration, and action would be initiated through deputy commissioners to shut down such schools, with students to be adjusted in nearby institutions.
