LAHORE – The Lahore High Court has announced its verdict over the case of the rise in the fee charged by private schools declaring that 8% increment in fee instead of 5% was unconstitutional.
In its verdict, the provincial high court directed the Punjab government to notify “The Punjab Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2014” to ensure enforcement of the fundamental right of education.
The bench also sought replied from private schools for increasing the fee by more than 5% fee in 2015-16 and imposing increment of more than 8% in 2017-18, within 30 days, however, allowed the schools to increase the fee for the academic year 2015-2016 at the rate higher than the fee charged for the academic year 2014-2015.
The court stated that the schools would have to return the extra fee if they fail to provide valid reasons.
The court also directed the government to issue a notification of the free and compulsory education act and form a mutually agreed policy within 90 days according to which, the government would keep a check on schools’ profits during the increments.
Lahore High Court also barred schools from compelling parents to buy school books or uniforms from any specific shops besides directing the schools not to charge any extra fee except the tuition fee, security and admission fees.
