Ghaziabad parents stir over fee hike intensifies

By IANS   |   Thursday, 24 April, 2014
The agitation against public schools here for raising fees has widened and is garnering support from various quarters.

The Abhibhavak Manch included 19 other public schools in addition to the three branches of DPS, Ghaziabad, in the ambit of its agitation on the third day Wednesday of its round-the-clock sit in at the Collectorate here.

These include prestigious educational institutions like Saint Paul Academy, Uttam School for Girls, Ryan International, Ingraham Institute, Sanskar and Gurukul School -- all of which have increased fees.

Mahesh Ahuja, patron of Abhibhavak Sangh, said they have give an ultimatum to the district administration to address the issue by April 24. He added that if a solution was not found within the stipulated time, children and other family members would join the sit in from April 25.

Meanwhile, V.K. Agrawal, convenor of a social organization Parmarth Samiti, said a petition would be filed in court to get justice for parents. He said the court would be requested to slash the enhanced fees that parents were unable to pay.

District Magistrate S.V.S. Ranga Rao has also assured parents that he would look into the matter. He said the land allotment files were being inspected so a strong case could be made against the schools if the matter goes to court.

The three branches of DPS Ghaziabad -- Meerut Road, Vasundhara and Dasna -- were allotted land at subsidised rates for providing free education to poor children. But the schools flouted the rules with a steep 40 percent hike in fees.

The Abhibhavak Sangh said leaders from all political parties, barring the Samajwadi Party, are extending support to the agitation. AAP workers are present round-the-clock at the dharna site.

Write your comment now