The Bengal government on Friday wrote to private schools asking them not to increase their fees this year and consider “sympathetically” if guardians were unable to pay fees on time.

“…Under the circumstances, it is therefore advised to all concerned once again, to have a considerate view of the matter and restrain from enhancing school fees during the current academic year. Any case of delayed payment/non-payment of the fee by the guardian in the prevailing situation may be considered sympathetically,” the government’s letter to the heads of all private schools said.

Officials said the government had taken “a serious view” of allegations that private schools were yet to respond to an appeal on the issue from education minister Partha Chatterjee on Wednesday.

“The Hon’ble Minister in charge of Education Department, Government of West Bengal has already made an appeal to the authorities of all schools not to increase the fees considering the current situation and to consider the matter of non-payment of fee by the guardian, if any, sympathetically. However, it has been reported that a few schools have not yet given a positive response so far. The matter has been seriously viewed by the State Government,” read the letter, signed by principal secretary Manish Jain.

The letter said it was unfortunate that private and unaided schools affiliated to various boards had not only increased the fees but were also “pressing” guardians to deposit the fees while the lockdown was on.

The letter reminded the schools about the measures being taken by the state government to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and how the government was trying to help people by waiving various fees and taxes.

The guardians had been complaining about financial constraints because of the lockdown.

Most schools have introduced the enhanced fees this month. Many have announced a higher-than-usual hike from April to raise funds for implementing the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission for teachers and other non-teaching employees of the institutes.

ICSE classes

The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations will conduct virtual classes for IX to XII, which will be aired on ABP Ananda on April 11 and 12 between noon and 1pm. The council on Monday wrote to the school heads to encourage students to watch the programmes. The initiative has been taken to reach out to more students.

The council will consider increasing the number of virtual classes on the channel if the first set of programmes generate sufficient interest among the students and teachers, the council letter to the schools said.