Kochi: School rusticates five students, after parents protest unreasonable fee-hike
What's the story
A Kochi school allegedly rusticated five students after their parents questioned the unreasonable fee hike.
The Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir is reported to have thrown out students ranging from Class 8 to 10 on their parents' revolt.
The students were handed over their transfer certificates in an unprecedented move. The parents are now planning the legal route, reports News18.
What happened
Students were locked inside library; staff members abused parents
The students were allegedly locked inside the library by teachers as parents didn't pay the fees. They alleged they heard staff members verbally abusing the parents.
It was apparently written on the TCs of the students that they were sacked over non-payment of fees.
One of the students just finished his Class 9 and couldn't get admission in 10th standard in another school.
The controversy
School increased fee in 2017, didn't reduce despite orders: Parents
According to parents, the school increased the fee by 20% in 2017, prompting a protest by Parents Teachers Association.
When the school authorities refused to budge, the state child welfare commission was approached by PTA. A judgement was reached and the school agreed to cut the fee by 10% if parents paid the hike (20%) in 2017.
But the parents alleged fee wasn't reduced.
Details
Meanwhile, principal says school's management took the decision
Parents said since the school didn't follow orders, they stopped paying fees. On its part, the school's principal GG Rajelekshmy claimed the decision was taken by the management.
According to rules, schools can't give TCs for non-payment of fees.
Parents also asked how TCs were given without informing them; they now plan to approach the court against the school.