781 Private Schools Barred from Collecting Fees in Kashmir Division
Srinagar, Oct 12 (ProKashmiri.in): In a major action against non-compliance, the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) for private schools in Jammu and Kashmir has barred as many as 781 private schools from collecting any kind of fee from students. The decision follows repeated failures by these institutions to submit mandatory documents required for the regulation of tuition and annual fees.
The directive, signed by FFRC Chairman Justice Sunil Hali (Retd.), clearly states that the managements of the defaulting schools must immediately halt the collection of all types of fees — including tuition, annual, transport, and other charges; until further orders.
According to the official notice, these schools were asked multiple times to submit their documents for the determination of fees under the J&K School Education Act, 2002, and the J&K Private Schools (Regulation, Recognition, and Control) Rules, 2022. Despite receiving adequate time and several reminders, the institutions failed to comply.
The action covers schools across several districts of Kashmir division, including Anantnag (160), Bandipora (46), Baramulla (126), Budgam (26), Ganderbal (50), Kulgam (41), Kupwara (87), Pulwama (88), Shopian (64), and Srinagar (93).
“It has been observed that despite repeated communications and a final notice, these 781 private schools have failed to submit the required files and documents,” the notice reads. “Therefore, they are hereby restrained from collecting any type of fee until the competent authority grants approval.”
The FFRC’s decision is backed by Section 20 C(3) of the J&K School Education Act, which empowers the committee to restrict any private school from collecting fees until formal approval is issued. Similarly, Rule 8(2) of the 2022 Private Schools Regulation Act states that no private institution can revise or collect fees without the FFRC’s consent.
The committee has also instructed parents and guardians not to deposit any form of fee with the defaulting schools until a No Objection Certificate (NoC) or official clearance is provided. Any payment made in violation of this directive will be considered unlawful, and strict action will follow against the concerned management.
Further, the FFRC has allowed schools that may have already submitted their documents to report back within a week, providing proper acknowledgment or proof of submission. This will help the committee verify and review their status.
Officials described the move as a “final warning” to defaulting schools. “Failure to comply shall invite stern action, including suspension of recognition, withdrawal of NoC, or any other punitive measures as per law,” the notice added.
The decision has sparked strong reactions among parents and education observers. Many parents have welcomed the FFRC’s move, saying it will bring accountability and transparency in fee structures, which have long been a concern in private education. However, school associations are likely to seek clarification or appeal the decision, citing administrative delays and pending approvals.
The FFRC’s recent action underlines the government’s renewed effort to enforce financial transparency and ensure that private schools operate strictly within the legal framework. Officials said the committee remains open to cooperation from school managements but warned that “continued non-compliance will not be tolerated.”
FAQs on FFRC Fee Restriction Order
Q1: Why has FFRC barred 781 schools from collecting fees?
Because these schools failed to submit required documents for fee regulation under the J&K School Education Act and Private Schools Rules despite repeated notices.
Q2: Which districts are affected by the order?
The decision affects schools in all major Kashmir districts — Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Shopian, and Srinagar.
Q3: What types of fees are schools prohibited from collecting?
They cannot collect tuition, annual charges, transport fees, or any other kind of payment from students until clearance is granted.
Q4: What should parents do now?
Parents are advised not to deposit any kind of fee with the listed schools until the FFRC issues formal approval or a NoC.
Q5: What happens if a school continues collecting fees?
Any collection of fees in violation of this order will be treated as unlawful, and strict legal action will be taken against the school management.
Q6: Can schools appeal this decision?
Yes. Schools that have already submitted their documents can report to FFRC within one week with valid proof to have their cases reviewed.
Q7: What penalties can defaulting schools face?
The FFRC may recommend suspension of recognition, withdrawal of NoC, or other legal actions if the schools fail to comply.
Q8: Is this a temporary suspension?
Yes, the restriction will remain in place until the schools complete documentation and receive formal approval from the FFRC.
