By: Sheikh Anees
Ganderbal: Despite the implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009 in Jammu and Kashmir, which guarantees free and compulsory education up to the elementary level, government schools continue to levy charges on students.
Parents have expressed their discontent over printing charges, which contradict the provisions of the Act.
The RTE Act mandates that all educational expenses for students up to the eighth grade should be borne by the government. However, school heads have been found to charge printing charges, causing financial burden on parents, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
While the government has already taken steps to regulate private schools by prohibiting capitation fees, complaints persist against government schools that are still charging printing charges disregarding the provisions of the RTE Act.
Local residents have raised concerns about the lack of oversight by authorities, which has allowed schools to continue charging fees despite clear directives. They urge the government to take immediate action to ensure strict compliance with the RTE Act and provide free and quality education to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Although some schools have refunded the charges after social activists highlighted the issue through Valley Online News, many schools remain reluctant to return the money, sources informed VON.
When Valley Online Contacted Chief Education Officer Ganderbal Surjeet Singh has clarified that no student should be charged any amount, including printing charges.
He attributed instances of printing charge collection to a lack of clarity among school heads regarding the implementation of the RTE Act.
