Chennai: In a significant move aimed at improving transparency in school fee collection, the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Private Schools has ordered all private educational institutions across the state to prominently display their approved tuition fee structures on notice boards and official websites by June 5.
The directive applies to nursery, primary, matriculation, CBSE and other private board schools functioning in Tamil Nadu.
The order follows a recent ruling by the Tamil Nadu Information Commission, which held that a school’s fee structure constitutes public information and must be made accessible to parents and the public.
The Information Commission, in its order issued on May 29, instructed the Directorate of Private Schools to ensure compliance and submit a report by June 15.
Acting on the directive, the department has now issued detailed instructions to schools and district-level officials for immediate implementation.
According to the order, school managements and principals must display the tuition fees approved by the Fee Determination Committee in a manner visible to parents and the public.
In addition to displaying the information on school notice boards, institutions have been instructed to publish the approved fee details on their respective websites.
The Directorate has also made it mandatory for schools to include class-wise tuition fee details in student admission application forms.
Officials say the move is intended to ensure that parents are fully aware of the approved fee structure before seeking admission for their children.
To monitor compliance, District Educational Officers (Private Schools) have been directed to conduct inspections of schools within their jurisdictions and verify whether the orders have been implemented.
They have been asked to submit detailed compliance reports to the Directorate on or before June 10.
As part of the verification process, schools will be required to provide photographic evidence showing the display of approved fee structures.
The Directorate will maintain these records as proof of implementation and compliance.
Director of Private Schools S. Suganya warned that the order must be followed without exception. She said schools that fail to comply with the directive would face official notices and further action from the government.
Education officials believe the measure will help address frequent complaints from parents regarding lack of clarity in school fee collection and will promote greater accountability among private educational institutions across Tamil Nadu.
(IANS)
