Srinagar: The Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) of Jammu and Kashmir has taken strong action against private schools charging illegal fees. The committee has issued two important circulars warning schools not to collect admission or advance tuition fees from students, terming such practices as clear violations of the J&K School Education Act, 2002.
According to circular 41 FFRC of 2025, FFRC Chairperson Justice (Retd.) Sunil Hali said the committee has received numerous complaints from parents and students about schools illegally charging admission fees. In many cases, schools were also failing to provide proper receipts, using non-standard payment methods to hide transactions.
The circular refers to Section 20E(1) of the amended Education Act, which clearly states: “Private schools shall not charge in any manner, any other fee including admission fee or any amount, by whatever name called than the fee mentioned above.” The committee said any violation of this provision will lead to legal action.
Parents and students have been urged to report such cases via email at [email protected] or call 0194-4034841 / 0191-2956990. The FFRC assured that the identity of complainants will be kept confidential.
In another order issued under Circular No. 15 FFRC of 2025, the committee directed all private schools to collect tuition fees only on a month-to-month basis. It said no school can force parents to deposit fees for future months in advance.
However, the circular clarified that if any parent willingly wants to pay the fee in advance, they may do so. Any school found violating this directive will face legal action.
Both circulars have been circulated to all education departments, private schools, and the general public. The FFRC has also directed the Directorate of Information to give wide publicity to these orders to ensure awareness and strict implementation.(KNS)
