SRINAGAR: The School Education Department on Friday issued a directive to the chairman of a private school in Srinagar, mandating an explanation within three days for the violation of Section 13 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
The Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) in an order said that it has come to the directorate’s notice that Doon School Srinagar is charging developmental charges at the time of admission.
DSEK mentioned that Section 13 of the Right to Education Act 2009 clarifies that no school or person shall, while admitting a child, collect any capitation fee. “It also stated that any school or person contravening the provisions of subsection (1) by receiving capitation fee shall be punishable with a fine, which may extend to ten times the capitation fee charged.”
Capitation fee means any kind of donation, admission fee, or contribution, or payment other than the fee notified by the school.
In a letter to the chairman of Doon School Srinagar, DSEK stated, “It clearly shows that you are violating the provisions of the RTE Act and circular instructions issued by this directorate as well as by FFRC in this regard.” “Therefore, before any action is initiated against your school, you are asked to explain your position within three days as to why the provisions of RTE Act and circular instructions issued by this directorate are being violated by your institution,” reads the DSEK order.
The DSEK notified the chairman of Doon School Srinagar that failure to provide an explanation would imply a lack of defence, leading to potential disciplinary action against the school, including fines and even possible de-recognition.
