Punjab Private Schools Defy Rules with High Annual Fees and Charges
Private schools in Punjab are under fire for increasing fees and charging annual funds ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000, with some demanding as much as Rs. 20,000. Additionally, major school chains have introduced transport charges of up to Rs. 30,000, citing compliance with a Lahore High Court (LHC) directive.
Parents have expressed frustration, accusing the District Education Authorities and the provincial School Education Ministry of being ineffective in curbing these rising costs. Critics argue that the government’s decision to outsource public schools has left private institutions unregulated, allowing them to impose hefty fees unchecked.
A Punjab Assembly member has submitted an adjournment motion over the issue, calling the private school system a “powerful mafia.” Government official Murad Ali voiced outrage, pointing out that private schools continue to sell books and uniforms despite court orders against the practice, alongside raising fees for so-called annual funds.
The Secretary General of the Punjab Teachers Union, Rana Liaqat Ali, strongly opposed outsourcing public schools, warning that it would worsen the lack of control over private institutions. He highlighted the financial strain on families already grappling with rising costs of essential goods, making quality education increasingly unaffordable.
Meanwhile, Kashif Adeeb Jawadani, President of the All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association, defended the fee hikes, claiming they were made in accordance with the law, including the collection of annual funds. However, for many parents, these rising costs represent yet another hurdle in accessing education for their children.
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