Regulate school fees : AIMS

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 20 : The Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) has urged the State Government to regulate the fee structure of private schools in the State.
Speaking to the media at Kwakeithel today, AIMS secretary general Oinam Amarjit expressed concern over the rapid increase of private schools in Manipur.
He questioned whether the Government has been colluding with wealthy individuals to abolish Government schools and promote private institutions.
Saying that the high enrollment fees at private schools are unaffordable for many families, he added that Government schools, however, are not a viable option.
Most parents want to send their children to private schools, despite the high costs, because Government schools lack in quality, he said.
Saying that the conditions of private teachers are not any better despite private schools charging high fees from students as they are paid below the minimum wage, he urged the Government to look into the matter.
Amarjit claimed that many private schools have been established without meeting the Government's prescribed conditions and are charging students arbitrary fees.
Treating education as a business sector is unfortunate, he said.
In other States, their Governments regulate the fee structure of private schools, but this is not the case in Manipur, he said.
Amarjit also urged the Government to refrain from merging Government schools and instead take the necessary steps to improve their quality.