Hearing on a public interest petition filed against alleged exploitation of parents by private schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Uttarakhand High Court in Nainital has directed the State Government and CBSE to clarify the situation. This direction was issued by Chief Justice KM Joseph and Justice VK Bist hearing on the petition filed by Haldwani resident Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vikas Bhagat.
According to the petitioner, he had initially complained to the district education officer about the private schools and educational
institutions in Haldwani capriciously exploiting
parents of the school children.
The district education officer instituted an inquiry into the complaint but no action was taken even though the inquiry committee stated in its report that it had found all the allegations to be true.
The major issues
complained about include
private schools in Haldwani not meeting CBSE standards, inadequate drinking water facility in schools and
operation of some schools under tin-sheds among others.
Additionally, complaints had also been made regarding the absence of proper security arrangements in these
private schools, overloading students beyond the school
vehicle capacity and the dire condition of class rooms among other aspects.
The petitioner alleged that such private schools exploit the guardians of school students by taking lump sum fee amount. Stating that such schools are opened after accordance of no objection certificate from the State Government.
The authorities concerned issue the no objection
certificates but do not bother to check these schools,
contended the petitioner. Taking cognisance of the case, the High Court has asked the Government and CBSE to clarify the situation in a week.