The Lahore High Court case on private school fee increases has gained the attention of parents and education stakeholders in Punjab. On Wednesday, Justice Khalid Ishaq of the Lahore High Court dismissed a petition regarding the significant increase in private schools’ tuition fees, but instead of rendering a decision, the Court ordered the District Registration Authority (DRA), led by the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore, to consider the complaint within 21 days.
Background to the Case
The petition, filed by Muhammad Ayub and concerned parents, stated that certain private schools had increased the fees up to 42% in 2023, which was in breach of the applicable limits. The Punjab Private Educational Institutions (Promotion and Regulation) Ordinance, states that there is an applicable limit in law for the increase of 5% annually unless there is special permission of the Department for more.
The parents argued that any increase of that nature is a violation of the law, and particularly at a time of higher inflation and family expenses, that any increase like that would ruin families. The counsel for the parents stated that, in the absence of regulation, parents would be forced to make decisions regarding their children’s education, that they did not deem appropriate by moving them to inferior schools.
Court Proceedings
During the proceedings of the hearing, Justice Khalid Ishaq inquired which authority was competent to regulate and monitor fees of private schools. The lawyer for the petitioners clarified the position of the District Registration and Monitoring Authority and its work in dealing with the complaints of fees. The DRA is appointed by the Deputy Commissioner and it has a mandate to consider matters complaints and then investigate any breaches to the law and ensure compliance.
The court heard from both sides and determined that the issue should be adjudicated by the proper regulatory body and not by an order of the court. Therefore, the Lahore High Court dismissed the petition but ordered that the DRA make a decision within 21 days.
What This Means for Parents and Schools
The ruling stipulates that parents will now need to bring their complaints to the District Registration Authority directly. The authority will review whether the significant fee hikes are justified, and whether the schools need to roll back or amend their new fees also fees of private schools.
This ruling expresses the necessity for schools to comply with existing legal obligations and transparently justify charging above the legal 5% fee hike. The ruling also highlights the communicating between schools and parents, when making changes to fees.
The Bigger Picture: Education Costs in Pakistan
The problem of increased fees in private schools is not limited to Lahore. Parents in various pockets of the Pakistan have raised concerns about the affordability and accessibility of quality education. Oftentimes, private schools argue that they need to raise their fees due to increased operational costs, e.g., teacher salaries, utilities, and maintenance. However, without regulatory restriction and enforcement, middle-class families can easily find themselves priced out by fee hikes.
Additionally, oversight bodies like the District Registration Authority are created to find the balance between ensuring schools operate effectively, and providing safety for parents from unwarranted fee hikes when schools are attempting to increase their fees.
Next Steps for Parents
If you are a parent affected by this fee hike, here’s what you can do:
- Make a Complaint: Report your case , evidence of fee increase to the District Registration Authority in Lahore.
- Gather Evidence: Retain former fee receipts, new fee challans and any official school notifications.
- Work Together: Group complaints usually receive faster attention.
- Follow Up: Check the DRA’s decision time to ensure that the 21 days is observed.
Conclusion
The Lahore High Court’s decision shifts responsibility to the District Registration Authority, putting the onus on them to resolve the matter swiftly at the end. While the court’s dismissal might seem like a setback for parents, the strict 21-day timeline offers may hope for a timely resolution. This case also underscores the urgent to need for consistent enforcement of school fee regulations to ensure that quality education remains accessible and affordable for all.
