Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City has introduced new directives for institutional standards governing fee structures. Mayor Prashant Bista, in alliance with education officials and private school representatives, has issued 11 directives aimed at standardizing fee collections across educational institutions within the city.
According to Mayor Bista, the directives respond to concerns over exorbitant fees charged by some private schools. The regulations are intended to promote transparency and affordability in education, ensuring that all students have access to quality schooling without undue financial burden.
Under the new guidelines, private schools found to be charging fees higher than those prescribed in the directives will face fines of up to Rs. 50,000. Additionally, schools have been categorized into 'A', 'B', and 'C' groups for fee determination purposes, with specific maximum fee limits set for each category.
The Sub-Metropolitan City has categorized private schools into 'A', 'B', and 'C' groups for fee determination. Education Department Chief Gorkha Bahadur Thapa has stated that schools falling under Category 'A' can charge a maximum monthly fee of Rs. 4,500 at the primary level and a maximum of Rs. 5,500 at the secondary level. Schools in Category 'B' can charge a maximum monthly fee of Rs. 3,750 at the primary level and Rs. 4,600 at the secondary level, while those in Category 'C' can charge Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 3,750 respectively, Thapa added.
Transportation fees must be arranged by schools, alleviating the burden on parents, while the charge for admission forms is capped at a maximum of Rs. 250. Notably, schools can only levy sports fees in coordination with parents, specifically for special sports training programs.
Furthermore, the regulations stipulate specific fee limits for additional services. Air conditioning fees in classrooms are capped at Rs. 300, while computer usage fees for students stand at a maximum of Rs. 800 per month. Moreover, charges for character certificates and transfer certificates are limited to Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,000, respectively, at the primary and secondary levels. The regulations also emphasize the importance of providing scholarships to economically disadvantaged students, with schools required to allocate scholarships to at least ten percent of their student body.
Mayor Bista underscored the significance of cooperation between private schools and local authorities in upholding education standards and ensuring equity in access to education. He urged schools to adhere to education laws and regulations, emphasizing the need for collaboration to elevate Nepalgunj's educational system to exemplary heights.
Bikash Bajracharya, chairman of the Private School Organization PABSON, expressed support for the new regulations, pledging to comply with the standards set forth by education authorities. Bajracharya also called on the local government to consider scholarship criteria when recommending scholarship recipients, highlighting the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for all students.
