Srinagar, June 11 | JK Top News Desk:
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has taken strong action against the illegal practice of charging admission fees by private schools across the Union Territory. In a formal notification issued by the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) under Circular No. 14/FFRC of 2025, the authorities have clearly warned all private educational institutions to stop collecting any form of admission charges, calling it a direct violation of the law.
This circular comes in response to growing complaints from parents and students about schools demanding large amounts of money at the time of admission. Many of these schools reportedly do not issue official receipts and conduct transactions outside the standard banking channels—raising serious concerns about accountability and transparency.
According to the FFRC, such actions are not only unethical but also illegal under the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Act, 2002 (as amended). Specifically, Section 20E(1) of the Act makes it abundantly clear:
“Provided that private schools shall not charge in any manner, any other fee including admission fee or any amount, by whatever name called than the fee mentioned above.”
The Committee, headed by Justice Sunil Hali, emphasized that charging an admission fee—by any name or method—is a serious breach of the law. Violators will face strict legal consequences in accordance with the Act and rules framed thereunder. The circular also notes that some institutions are deliberately bypassing legal channels by using cash transactions or informal methods to collect fees, thus evading oversight and documentation.
The FFRC has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of students and parents. To curb this ongoing malpractice, parents and students have been urged to come forward and report such violations. Complaints can be submitted via email (chairmanffrc@gmail.com) or by calling the official helpline numbers: 0194-4034841 (Srinagar) and 0191-2956990 (Jammu). The Committee has assured that the identity of complainants will be kept strictly confidential.
The circular has been widely circulated to all private schools, education departments, media outlets, and uploaded on the official FFRC website for public awareness. Administrative Officer Riyaz Ahmad has also signed the circular, reinforcing its legitimacy and urgency.
Parents are advised to be vigilant and not fall prey to unlawful demands made during the school admission process. Educational institutions found guilty of charging illegal fees will be dealt with sternly as per law.
