The Rajasthan Education Department has issued new guidelines prohibiting private schools from increasing fees for the next three academic years. These regulations also mandate complete adherence to rules regarding the sale of study materials and uniforms, and emphasize the importance of organizing parent-teacher meetings.
Parents now have the option to purchase uniforms and textbooks from the open market instead of being restricted to buying them from the school. A parent-teacher committee is to be established to determine the fee structure for private schools. The committee's details, including names, addresses, and contact numbers of all members, must be made publicly available on the school's portal.
According to the guidelines, it is illegal for schools to charge fees exceeding the amount set by the committee. Schools that violate this rule could face action under the Fees Act and might be required to refund the excess fees to parents.
The guidelines also highlight the necessity for 100% compliance with norms related to study materials and uniforms, especially for students with special needs and female students. Private schools are required to organize regular parent-teacher meetings to address issues concerning students and school management.
Additionally, schools must provide this information to the District Education Officer, display the guidelines on school notice boards, and upload them on their websites. Complaints regarding mental and physical harassment of students must be promptly addressed, with swift action taken against perpetrators.
Schools affiliated with various boards such as the Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan, CBSE, CISCE, and CAIE must select textbooks for the academic session in accordance with established norms. Information about the textbooks, including author names and prices, must be posted on notice boards and school websites at least a month before the academic session begins to allow parents to purchase them independently.