CBSE ‘De-Capitates’ Schools, Makes One-Time Admission ‘Donations’ Illegal

From now onwards, state government Acts and regulations on school fees will also be applicable to those affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), reports Telangana Today.

The Board, which has revamped affiliation bye-laws, has made it clear that Acts and regulations of the Central and State/UT governments enacted/framed in connection with fee regulation in the states will be applicable to CBSE-affiliated schools as well.

CBSE-affiliated schools had earlier maintained that state governments had no role over regulation of fees. The new bye-laws are reported to have paved the way for a full-fledged school fee regulation by the government in CBSE-affiliated schools.

However, the schools could revise the tuition fees subject to prescribed laws, regulations and directions of the government.

The amended bye-laws of the Board say that no school run by a society or trust shall levy capitation fee or accept donations for the purpose of admission, and the fee should be charged in accordance with regulations of the State Education Department.

The Board is reported to have decided to impose a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh, along with downgrading the school from “senior secondary level” to “secondary level” in case of violation of regulations.

Further, violation of the bye-laws would attract suspension of affiliation and even withdrawal of recognition, while erring schools would also be debarred from sponsoring students in the Board’s exams up to a period of two years.