Edu Deptt asks Doon School chairman to explain its position for charging capitation fee

Srinagar, Feb 16 (KNO): Following the violation of section 13 of Right to Education (RTE) Act by a private school of Srinagar, School Education Department Friday ordered the chairman of the institute to explain its position within three days.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) in an order said that it has come to the notice of the directorate that Doon School Srinagar is charging developmental charges at the time of admission.

DSEK said that the section 13 of Right to Education Act 2009 clarifies that no school or person shall while admitting a child, collect any capitation fee. It also said that any school or person, if in contravention of the provision of sub-section(1), receives capitation fee, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to ten times the capitation fee charged.

It is pertinent to mention here that capitation fee means any kind of donation, admission fee or contribution or payment other than the fee notified by the school.

DSEK has already issued circular instructions in this regard in December-2023 In a letter to chairman of Doon School Srinagar, DSEK has said, “It clearly shows that you are violating the provision of RTE Act and circular instructions issued by this directorate as well by FFRC in this regard.” “Therefore, before any action is initiated against your school, you are asked to explain your position within three days as to why provisions of RTE Act and circular instructions issued by this directorate are being violated by your institution,” reads the DSEK order.

DSEK informed the chairman of the Doon School Srinagar that if it failed to explain its position, it shall be presumed that he/she have nothing to say in his/her defence and action under rules will be initiated against the school which may include fine and even de-recognition of the school—(KNO)