FOURI Quorum felicitates Secy SED; increase in School fees, other issues discussed

 Jammu, Jan 11: In a significant development, Dr. Piyush Singla, Secretary School Education Department welcomed by the members of the FOURI Quorum Rajiv Gupta, Vice president (Chamber of commerce), Dr. SuminderSinggh Managing Director (International Delhi public school Jammu), Dheeraj Sharma, MD (IDPS Akhnoor), GN Tantrey, MD (Doon international Jammu), Gambhir Charak, MD (Rich Harvest School), Kunal Saini, MD (Stephans International  Jammu) and Raksham Mangi, MD (RM Public School Jammu). The management members of the schools extended the warmest greetings, looking forward to a rewarding and enriching exchange of ideas. The members extended a warm welcome and best wish to him to embark upon this new journey in the department.

The primary agenda of the meeting was to welcome him and to present the rationale for the proposed increase in school fees and to seek Mr. Singla’s support for the same. The school management put forward a compelling case, highlighting the various factors that have necessitated the need for a fee raise.During the meeting, the school management emphasized the rising operational costs and the need to maintain high standards of education, infrastructure, and facilities. They underscored the challenges posed by inflation, increased utility expenses, and the need to recruit and retain qualified teaching and non-teaching staff. The representatives also discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the school's financial position, including the costs incurred in implementing health and safety measures in line with government guidelines.

In response, Singla expressed understanding of the school's challenges and acknowledged the need for adequate financial resources to maintain educational standards. Additionally, he sought assurances that the potential hike in fees would be justified and proportionate to the improvements and enhancements that would directly benefit the students and the overall educational experience.

The discussion also delved into the importance of ensuring that the increase in school fees would not create an undue financial burden on parents and guardians. The school management assured that they would implement measures to provide financial assistance to families facing economic hardships, as well as explore options for phased payment plans to ease the impact of the fee adjustment.