The State Government on Wednesday reiterated that it has no statutory provision to fix a mechanism regarding the quantum of fees to be collected from the students of the private unaided schools.
In a fresh affidavit in the High Court in the context of the ongoing stalemate over collection of school fees by the private schools for the lockdown period, the Government mentioned that even the provisions of Odisha Education Act of 1969 are also silent on the issue.
Surprised over such a confession made by the Government, the High Court asked the Advocate General to get instructions as to how there is no such law in Odisha as prevalent in other States like Punjab and Delhi. The HC fixed Monday for the next hearing. Private educational institutions are granted permission and recognition under the Odisha Education Act. There is no such provision under the Act or Rules fixing a mechanism regarding quantum of fees collected by the private unaided schools affiliated to the Board of Secondary Education and imparting instructions in Odia medium, the affidavit said.
The affidavit further reiterated that an MoU has been signed by all stakeholders and urged the court to accept it and pass an appropriate order. “This will help the parents whose incomes have been adversely affected,” the affidavit added.