The Organisation of Parent Associations’ Forum on Saturday staged a demonstration here in protest against the State Government’s alleged favour to privately-managed public schools vis-à-vis students’ fees.
“The Government had earlier requested private schools to waive fees for three months for Covid crisis. However, many schools sent notice to parents to deposit fees or else their wards will be discontinued. A PIL was lodged challenging the schools’ move. However, the Government has submitted an argument in the court that parents of private schools are self sufficient having capital reserve and there is no reason to direct schools to waive fees. This indicates a nexus between private schools and the Government,” said OPAF working president Sanjukta Panigrahi. The forum demanded that the Government should bring in a School Fee Regulation Act and bring changes in the education laws so that parents would not be harassed by the school authorities.
The OPAF functionaries and members recited Bande Utkala Janani, showing support to those who have spent lakhs of rupees on transport and food of Odia migrant workers.
Among others OPAF president Gagan Bihari Rout, vice-president Madhu Sudan Biswal, general secretary Mitarani Sahoo were present.
