Private schools’ fee recovery under RTI lens

Srinagar, Oct 21: A Right to Information (RTI) application seeking details of rules and actions concerning fee recovery by private schools in Jammu and Kashmir has been redirected by the School Education Department to the J&K Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (JK-FFRC), terming it the competent authority to handle such matters.
The RTI was filed by Muhammad Suhail Dar of Barzulla, Srinagar, on September 3, 2025, under registration number DKSED/R/2025/80078/1. In his application, Dar sought certified copies of circulars, guidelines, and legal provisions empowering private schools to take punitive actions against parents or students for non-payment of tuition fees. The applicant also asked whether private schools could withhold transfer certificates, mark sheets, or examination access over unpaid dues.
The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) acknowledged the filing and later marked the application to the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Srinagar, for a reply. In its internal note, the General Section of the CEO’s office clarified that the subject matter “pertains to Chairman JK-FFRC and not General Section of this office,” subsequently forwarding it for appropriate action.
On October 18, 2025, the Chief Education Officer, Srinagar, formally responded to the applicant through communication No. CEO/SGR/Estt./RTI/11447-48. The reply stated that all points raised in the RTI “pertain to Chairman JK-FFRC,” thereby directing the applicant to approach the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee for the sought information.
Dar’s RTI application raised ten key questions, including whether any rules exist allowing private schools to expel or suspend students over unpaid fees, the legal framework for such actions, and data on complaints received against schools for harassment over fee recovery between 2015 and 2025. He also sought copies of departmental orders or clarifications following a reported statement by the FFRC Chairman in August 2025 concerning action against parents defaulting on school fees.
The response indicates that while the Education Department oversees general administration, the regulation and enforcement of private school fee matters fall under the exclusive purview of the JK-FFRC.
The applicant has been advised to approach the FFRC directly for detailed policy and legal information regarding fee recovery and related disciplinary actions by private educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]