LAHORE: The District School Education Authority has released strict directives, under which private schools can raise the tuition fee by a mere five percent every year.
The directives have been released to regulate the financial burden and excessive fee charges that private educational institutions impose on parents in Lahore.
The agency said any amount above this cap will be deemed illegal, noting that no school charges more than the regulated fee.
School administrators cannot impose extra fees for any activity or summer camps, and students cannot be compelled to buy books or notebooks from specific stores.
Answering another serious issue being faced by parents, the guidelines add that no private school can charge advance fees.
The schools can charge fees only on a monthly basis, and in the event of default, any action of expelling or humiliating the student will result in stern action.
The guidelines also make it amply clear that all private educational institutions are bound to ensure students have a safe, welcoming, and harassment-free environment.
It is the responsibility of school administrations to have a positive learning environment and provide security for students’ rights.
The District School Education Authority has directed all private school owners to enforce these new orders immediately and threatened legal consequences in case of defiance.
