Angry parents complain that Avinashi govt school collects fee for Class 11

Irate parents resorted to a road roko against the arbitrary decision of the school at Kumar Nagar to impose a huge amount as fees on poor parents, who turn to government institutions amid COVID-19 crisis.

“I came to admit my son in this government school for Class 11 believing that there will be no fees. But, I was shocked to know that admission will be made only for students pay the amount. If I had money to pay fees, why would I come to a government school?” asked a parent.

A team of police from Tirupur North police station held talks with the agitating parents and convinced them to withdraw it. Tirupur district Chief Education Officer Ramesh said that the teachers have discussed with parents on collecting the amount as ‘donation’ to pay salary for five teachers appointed to teach certain subjects in addition.

“I have issued instructions not to collect any money from parents. Parents approach government schools only because they don’t have money to admit their children in private institutions. So, where would they go if they were asked to pay fees? The students were then admitted without collecting any money. An inquiry is also underway with regard to the issue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Asariyar Munettra Kazhagam’s Tirupur district president O Sundaramurthy alleged that government schools have been collecting compulsorily up to Rs 6,000 for admission in arts stream in Class 11 and Rs 3,000 for science courses.