Introduction
Private schools in Telangana have proposed an annual 15% fee hike, citing rising operational costs and inflation. The Telangana Recognised School Managements Association (TRSMA) presented this proposal during a discussion with Telangana Education Commission (TEC) chairman Akunuri Murali at the Director of School Education (DSE) office.
Key Highlights of the Proposal
- 15% Fee Hike Without Approval: TRSMA suggests allowing schools to increase fees by up to 15% annually without requiring prior approval from regulatory bodies.
- Approval Beyond 15%: Schools seeking a fee hike beyond 15% must obtain clearance from the fee regulation committee.
- Categorization of Schools: The association recommends classifying private schools based on their fee structure, with those charging less than ₹55,000 annually categorized as budget private schools, exempting them from stringent regulations.
Reasons Behind the Proposal
TRSMA justifies the hike by pointing to inflation rates and the consumer price index, arguing that private schools need sufficient funds to maintain quality education and infrastructure.
Government's Stance
A cabinet sub-committee previously suggested that school fee hikes should not exceed 10% annually. Additionally, it proposed that school-level fee committees oversee and regulate private school fees to balance affordability for parents.
Current Status and Next Steps
The state government is currently reviewing TRSMA's request, considering the interests of both schools and parents. A final decision is expected soon, which could significantly impact private school education costs in Telangana.
