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Parents protest against private school administration
May 18(The News): The parents of children studying at a private school protested in the school
premises for about two hours against the attitude of the administrator, who
according to them, created panic and fear among the students of class VI giving
annual examinations. Upon interrogation, it was revealed that the school
administrator, Abid Valika entered the classroom and snatched exam papers from
students saying that they had not paid the advance fees for the summer
vacations. Several students began to cry. However, after two hours of 'peaceful'
protests by the parents, the copies were returned to the students. Not only was
the incident embarrassing, many were so upset, they forgot what they had learnt.
A source also said that the proprietor of the school after completing
his education abroad, returned home to open up a school with the sole aim of
commercialising the institution.
Many parents complained that if a
student failed to submit fees on time then the administration charged Rs50 every
day as late fee, which increased with every passing day.
However, the
principal apologised to the parents for the incident. The parents said that
everyone knew that the city was disturbed for three days due to the May 12
carnage. Hence most of them were unable to pay the fees. They also said that due
to the prevailing crisis even the date for payment of utility bills was extended
but the school administration didn't bother to do so. Instead, they mentally
tortured these students by seizing their examination copies from them.
The parents in a written letter to newspaper offices requested the
concerned authorities to investigate into the matter and take action against the
administration for violating the rules of the government. It must be mentioned
here that a notification was issued from the provincial education department,
Government of Sindh that schools will not collect fees for two months summer
vacation. But private schools have not complied with these orders. Sources say
that private schools have issued internal memos instead; stating that any
student who fails to submit the advance fees will be barred from taking exams or
their results will be withheld.
The Secretary Education, Sabhago Jatoi,
however, said that after receiving written complaints from parents, the
department will take immediate action against such schools. This could, very
possibly, result in suspension of registration of the school under the rules, he
added.
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