Following the order passed by District Educational Officer R Rohini, which prohibits schools from selling uniforms, shoes and belts, many parents pointed out that the order has been issued very late as majority of schools sold most of the items, especially books at double the price, while a few supported the order. According to the Hyderabad School Parents Association, already 90 per cent of books are sold at double the rate. As in CBSE and ICSE schools, the new academic year began in the month of March. There is no use of issuing an order now, as only a few days are remaining for the schools to open. “Why is this order only for Hyderabad district but not to complete Telangana private schools?” the parents questioned. Asif Hussain, President of Telangana State Parents Association said, “Despite the order being issued very late, parents appreciate the government move. The parents have given a representation long back in regards to fee regulation and charging of extra money on books, uniforms and everything from the school itself. Finally, the Commissioner accepted our representation and passed the order. The State government has not regulated the fee structure for a long period. As a result, the private school managements raise their fees to a greater extent (80-90 per cent) leading to greater burden on parents in clearing the fees. There is a kind of mafia running in the education sector. But with the implementation of this order, 80 per cent of fees collected from uniforms, shoes, belts and books will be removed. I request the government to implement the order very strictly. If this order is violated, we, along with parents, will move the High Court to resolve this issue.”
