Minority Institutions Seek Exemption From Fee Regulation
Educational body urges CM Revanth Reddy not to include minority schools in new fee control law
Hyderabad: Minority educational institutions have requested Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to exempt them from the purview of the proposed body to regulate private schools and college fees.
Following concerns expressed by parents over an unregulated increase in school and college fees, the government drafted a Bill to set up the Telangana Private Schools and Junior Colleges Fee Regulatory and Monitoring Commission, which will oversee fee structures, teaching standards, inspections, governance, and financial accountability in private unaided schools and colleges.
The All India Muslim Educational Society (AIMES), which represents the interests of minority educational institutions, expressed concern over what it described as a one-size-fits-all approach.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, AIMES general secretary M.S. Farooq said: “We strongly believe that a blanket regulation, without considering the diverse nature of educational institutions, may result in unintended consequences.” He contended that applying this proposed regulatory framework to minority institutions would contradict a Supreme Court verdict which exempts minority institution run schools from the Right to Education Act, 2009.
Citing Article 30(1) of the Constitution and judgments in ‘TMA Pai Foundation’ and ‘Islamic Academy’ cases, AIMES said minority institutions enjoy autonomy in managing their affairs. It also pointed to the practical challenges faced by schools operating on minimal budgets.
“Many institutions operate on a no-profit-no-loss basis, with some even incurring losses. If such institutions cannot meet operational costs through minimal fees collected, will the Commission extend financial assistance to them?” AIMES questioned. The representation also raised objections to undefined government norms on rent ceilings and maintenance, questioning how institutions working on a no-profit basis could comply without financial support.
The society warned that sweeping regulations could hinder their ability to serve first-generation learners from marginalised communities, many of whom rely on these schools for basic education. It requested that the government initiate consultations with a wider group of stakeholders before finalising the draft, and instead focus regulatory attention on institutions found guilty of profiteering.
