December 15, 2020.
TED NewsDesk, Pune: In the continued tussle between the parents and private schools of Pune regarding the non-payment of fees due to the pandemic has reached a high point now. The private schools have decided to take a stand against the decision of the parents to not pay the fees for the online classes. They claim that since the children are not using school property and facilities they should not have to pay the fees. But such a move puts the salaries of teachers and other school staff on hold. Teachers are already working by taking online classes without being paid. The schools have decided to shut down online classes for the next three days in lieu of the protest.
According to Vishal Solanki, the state education commissioner, “I cannot comment as the matter is subjudice, but we need to maintain a proper balance during this crucial time. Schools should try to understand the parents’ conditions as many of them have lost their jobs, are facing losses in business, and schools should not force them to pay fees. Also, none of the students should be stopped from attending the online classes due to any reason. At the same time, parents should understand the situation of the school administration, they need to give salaries to their staff and maintain the school premises. So, all need to be more sensitive.”
His suggestion also makes sense, as there should be a collective effort on part of both parents and schools to reach a peaceful solution that should not hamper the kids’ education.
The director of secondary and higher secondary education, Dattatrey Jagtap has asked the schools and parents to consider each others’ problems and cooperate. He added, “As this is a complicated matter, we urge parents to understand that schools also need to manage their expenses. But schools should also understand the problems faced by the parents. These are unprecedented times, and we should help each other out.”
The pandemic has come as a huge economical setback to people of all communities on one form or the other. It will take some time for people to get back on track, but that should not stop the education of students. For that, both the parents and schools have to come together and find an amicable solution so that no one has to suffer the losses alone.
Source: Hindustan Times
