SUHAIL KHAN
SRINAGAR, June 11: In a stern move to safeguard the rights of parents and students, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued a circular warning private schools against charging admission fees in violation of the Jammu & Kashmir School Education Act, 2002.
The circular, issued by the Committee for Fixation of Fee Structure of Private Education Institutions of J&K UT (FFRC), of which a copy lies with Kashmir Despatch highlights a surge in complaints from parents and students regarding the unauthorized collection of admission fees by private educational institutions. Despite repeated directions from the Committee, several private schools have continued to flout the law, allegedly collecting money without proper receipts or using unofficial methods to conceal the transactions.
The circular, numbered 14/FFRC of 2025 and dated June 11, 2025, underlines a key legal provision from Section 20E(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Act (amended), which clearly states:
“Provided that private schools shall not charge in any manner, any other fee including admission fee or any amount, by whatever name called than the fee mentioned above.”
According to the FFRC, charging admission fees under any pretext is a direct violation of this provision and invites strict legal action. Schools found guilty of such practices will be dealt with seriously, and appropriate measures will be taken to stop the exploitation of parents and students.
To curb this growing menace, the FFRC has urged parents and students to report such violations. Complaints can be filed confidentially via email at [email protected] or through the official telephone numbers 0194-4034841 and 0191-2956990. The Committee has assured that the identity of complainants will be kept confidential.
Justice Sunil Hali, Chairperson of the FFRC, signed the directive, reaffirming the government’s commitment to regulating the fee structures of private schools and protecting the public from financial exploitation.
This move is expected to bring much-needed transparency and accountability in the functioning of private educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
