HC permits pvt schools to collect the remaining 35pc fee before Feb 28, 2021

During the month of July, the private educational institutions had approached the Madras High Court against the State government which had earlier prevented them from collecting the full fees and at the same time directing them to pay the salaries to the teaching and non-teaching staff. On hearing the PILs, the Madras High court had also passed an order allowing the private schools to collect 75pc of school fee in 2 installments. The apex court passed this judgement in view of the uncertainty over the opening of the colleges and schools due to the Covid pandemic.

Accordingly, 40 per cent was to be collected as advance fees on or before August 31 and the remaining 35 per cent shall be collected within two months from the date of re-opening of schools.

But with the withdrawal of school re-opening as announced by the State Government last week, the private school authorities had approached the Madras High Court. After hearing the plea, the High Court has permitted the private schools to collect the remaining 35pc fee, before 28th of February, 2021. Further the court said, this order is being passed to balance the interest of all the stakeholders, to aid the teaching faculties and to ensure seamless functioning of unaided institutions.