Fee Waiver: Odisha Govt To Take Action Against Pvt Schools For Non-Compliance With HC Order

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to take action against private schools, which have not complied with the High Court order on the relaxation of school fees amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Acting on the directive of the Orissa High Court, the School and Mass Education Department in a notification in January this year had asked private schools to take necessary steps on the waiver of the fees. As a majority of schools are yet to adhere to the court order, the department has directed the District Education Officers (DEOs) to initiate disciplinary action against them.

While the DEOs of Jajpur, Khurda and Sundargarh have sought reports from the private schools, those of the remaining districts will take similar steps soon.

Also Read: Fee Waiver: SC Admits ICSE Schools Body’s Petition, Serves Notice To Odisha Govt

Talking to the media on condition of anonymity, some DEOs have expressed reluctance in carrying out the department order. They said that although they have received the verbal order from the department, they are yet to receive any formal notification or letter on this matter so far.

As the private schools are not adhering to the verbal order, action against them can be taken only if the department comes up with a specific guideline or notification, the DEOs added.

Also Read: Odisha Govt Asks Private Schools To Implement Fee Waiver