The fast unto death strike being observed by the parents of DAV Public School Patelnagar in Agrico, entered its third day with school management refusing to roll back the fee hike decision despite protest. A total of nine parents started their fast backed by nearly 50.
According to the parents, school charges a developmental fee annually ranging from Rs2,450 to Rs2,750, the sum is increasing every year as the student moves to higher classes. In addition, the monthly tuition fees have been increased by Rs100. The school has also introduced an activity charge of Rs400 annually from this year.
At present about 25 parents including members of the Jamshedpur Abhibhavak Sangh amidst sweltering temperature are fighting against the hike in school development fees this year.
Two of the parents—Nitu Mishra and Seema Pandey suffered from dehydration on Saturday and was rushed to the MGM Hospital, the agitation continued today even after the school is closed for summer vacation. Two of them have also avoided water for the last three days.
The parents are on fast since May 3 with a demand to roll back the hiked development fees, activity fees and education act fees. Parents claim that the difference in the fee hike has been between Rs1000 to Rs1800 depending on the classes. The increase in the tuition fee has been Rs100 to Rs150 which has been acceptable to the parents.
"We have no choice but to observe hunger strike in protest against the attitude of the school management. We do belong to privileged families and cannot afford to pay the increased amount,” said a protestor.
Umesh Kumar, president of the association, said that as per the rulings of apex court in the country the schools are allowed to increase the fee without consulting the administration. Schools have announced to go for a hike of Rs150. The decision is unfair and it will increase burden on the parents.
The members also alleged that private city schools have been forcing their decisions on parents without going into any talks. The district administration has deputed two policemen there from yesterday evening though there have been no doctors visiting the people on strike.
Though there are few people sitting on strike, others have their indirect support for the strike.
The school management however has opined that they can run an afternoon school for poor students, who cannot afford the school fees and other necessary charges.
“ The situation is already depleted. Economy and job opportunities have reduced and in such a phase increasing fee is like scratching wounds. The hike will be of no use for us since schools are least concerned about improving facilities,” said a functionary of the sangh.