Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 28: The Association of Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has relented from its decision to stop online classes for those who have not paid their fees till November 30. The association has now said that it will not suspend classes for now, but asked the government to meet their demands within 15 days.

The association had earlier warned of not giving access to online classes in respect of school fee defaulters from December 1. It had objected to repeat instructions of the education minister not to stop classes for non-fee payers, duly pointing out that they have fixed and variable expenses to meet and they entirely depend on the fee collected from students. In this context, the government had held a meeting with the office bearers of several private school associations. The private schools have placed six demands including fee payment before the government and have given 15 days deadline to the government to meet them.

Representational image

In addition to KAMS, Karnataka Unaided School Managements Association and other organizations including minority schools union had participated in the meeting. On this occasion, KAMS general secretary D Shashikumar said that 40 percent of parents have not paid the fee and sought admission for the children. He pointed out that these parents believe that even if they do not pay the fee, their children would be promoted to the next class. He pointed out that the high court in Tamil Nadu has permitted to collect 75 percent of the fee, and demanded similar facilities in Karnataka. He demanded interest-free loan to schools to meet the financial crisis they are facing, and to release the remaining money due to the private schools from the RTE fund.

Other demands

1. Efforts being made to force the old schools also to comply with safety rules being followed in case of new schools should be stopped.
2. Private school teachers who are facing financial problems because of coronavirus pandemic should be provided with food kits and honorariums.
3. Private banks should stop harassing private schools.
4. As per the high court order, another order clarifying that pending fee of last year should be cleared, should be issued.

Commissioner in the department of public instruction, Ambukumar, said that the schools have been asked not to create problem in the education the children by stopping online education for non-fee payers. He said that representatives the private schools have agreed for the same. He said that demands of the union will be placed before the government, as it has to take a decision on these matters.