Private schools fleecing parents

Metro India News | SIDDIPET

Several private and corporate schools in Telangana's Medak and Siddipet districts have come under scrutiny for allegedly collecting illegal charges from parents while issuing Transfer Certificates (TCs) and other student documents, despite repeated complaints to the Education Department.

In Medak district, private schools in Medak town, Ramayampet and Toopran are reportedly demanding between Rs.2,000 and Rs.4,000 from Class 10 students under the guise of "development fund" before issuing TCs. In Siddipet, a corporate school is allegedly charging fees higher than those in Hyderabad, while also collecting an additional Rs.25,000 to Rs.40,000 per student every year under various heads.

Parents have also alleged that several schools are forcing them to purchase textbooks and uniforms from shops operating within school premises at inflated prices, violating existing norms.

The issue has gained prominence as nearly 1,200 to 1,800 students across the districts have reportedly shifted from private schools to government schools due to high fees and dissatisfaction with the quality of education. These students require TCs and other certificates for admission, creating an opportunity for schools to allegedly exploit parents.

The controversy was highlighted recently when the father of a student from Zaheerabad staged a protest with a petrol can after a private school allegedly refused to issue his daughter's TC. The school later relented and handed over the certificate.

Student organisations and parents claim they have submitted written complaints to education officials, including District Education Officers, but allege that no action has been taken. They have accused authorities of turning a blind eye to irregularities.

Education Department officials said action would be taken if complaints regarding illegal collections are formally brought to their notice. They added that instructions have been issued to ensure schools do not delay or deny TCs and other certificates to students.