Complete Ban on Collection of Winter Vacation Fees by Private Schools; Advance Fees to Be Refunded or Adjusted in Coming Months: DC Quetta West Order

QUETTA (Daily Qudrat Quetta): In an important meeting held on October 13 under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Quetta West Munir Ahmed Durrani, the matter of fee collection from students by private educational institutions during winter vacations was reviewed in detail, after which important and strict decisions have been taken regarding private schools. The meeting made clear that private schools cannot collect fees for the winter vacation period, while those private educational institutions that have already collected advance fees from students or their parents on account of the vacations will be bound to refund the amount collected or adjust it in future fees.

The meeting also considered the matter of private educational institutions placing an additional financial burden on students and parents, and directed the relevant authorities to ensure implementation of government policy and established rules and regulations. The meeting also strictly prohibited standing any student outside the class, humiliating them, causing them mental distress or giving any kind of physical or punitive punishment on the basis of non-payment of fees. Protection of students’ educational rights and their dignity is among the government’s priorities, and no private educational institution can be allowed to deprive students of educational activities or subject them to public punishment and humiliation on the basis of fee matters.

Legal action will be initiated against private schools violating government orders under the Balochistan Private Educational Institutions Registration, Regulation and Promotion Act 2022. In case of continuous defiance, an administrative fine of up to Rs10,000 per day, and for violations exceeding 30 days, a fine of up to Rs200,000 and imprisonment of up to one year through the court of a Magistrate First Class can be imposed. In this regard, orders have been issued to the District Education Officer (DEO) and a special committee to conduct field inspections of schools and submit a report within three days.