Human Resource Development Minster, Jharkhand Jaganath Mahto has urged all the private schools across the State to waive off the school fess during the lockdown period. A three- member team has been formed and only after the reports are submitted will a final decision be taken on the entire matter as to what extent schools will have to waive off the fees.

However, school authorities claim that inspite of the lockdown no stone is being left unturned to conduct online classes.

Schools too have to pay salaries to the teaching as well as non- teaching staff and not charging fees will prove a hindrance in doing the same.

“The decision taken by the government will be duly followed. This is the time of showing our support to one another. However, I would also like to point out that what about the salaries of the school staff- teaching and non- teaching as they too have been affected during this period. Salaries are paid from the tuition fees and if the school does not charge the fee, how will it get paid and similarly, if the staff is not given their salary then what about them and their families,” said St Xavier’s School Principal Father Ajit Xess.

“The HRD Ministry’s directive of not charging fees has come to our knowledge only through print media. Once the order is formally issued, a final decision will be taken only after it is thoroughly studied and discussed with the other members,” said Ram Singh, Principal of Delhi Public School and president, Sahodaya School Complex, Ranchi.

“Not charging the fees will certainly put the schools in a quandary. If a decision of not charging the fees is taken by the committee, then it will be difficult for all the schools to manage their expenditures. Giving salaries to the teaching and the non teaching staff will also become a problem,” said Seema Chitlangia, Principal Bridgeford School.