Fee regulatory committees reconstituted in Gujarat

The Gujarat government has reconstituted the fee regulatory committee (FRC) in four zones: Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara, and Surat, per the Gujarat Self-Financed School (Regulation of Fees) Act, 2017. The positions had been vacant for some time.

However, parents have alleged that the government made these appointments after a delay of over a month into the new academic year.

Notably, reappointments of existing members have been avoided, and the government has opted for a completely new set of individuals.

What is the Fee Regulation Act?

As per the provisions of the School Fee Regulation Act for private schools, each zone has a retired district judge as the chairperson, along with four other members: a chartered accountant, a civil engineer or valuer, and a representative from the school management.

The government appoints chairpersons and other members for these committees every three years. This act determines the fees for private schools affiliated with the Gujarat Board, CBSE, and other boards.

The act states that the schools charging fees below the prescribed limit must submit an affidavit. In contrast, those charging higher fees must submit a proposal along with financial accounts, expenses, and other documents.

Major lapses cause troubles to parents

Despite the act, many private schools have been accused of charging higher fees, contrary to the FRC’s orders. Numerous complaints have been filed with the DEO (district education officer) in the past.

In one such case, Ahmedabad, the largest of the four zones housing over 150 schools, is yet to receive new fee orders. Despite this, many schools have already collected fees with the hiked amounts.

With the vacancies in the fee committees, parents had no authority or regulatory body to lodge complaints. They allege that the government formed new committees for all five zones only after a month and a half into the school year, by which time fees were already paid.

Other oversights by the department in Ahmedabad include a vacancy for a judge-chairman since June. Additionally, of the other four members, only a chartered accountant, Bharat Patel remained, but he too had to be removed over corruption allegations.

Also read:

Empty chairs at fee regulatory committee in Ahmedabad await occupants

State terminates CA Bharat Patel from FRC in alleged corruption case