Delayed release of Form-VI irks pvt schools
The delay in the release of Form VI by the Education Department, and the department asking private schools to declare fee structures for the academic year, hasn’t gone well with private school operators. The form contains information about infrastructure, students, staff strength, staff salary, fee structure and facilities provided in private schools.
It is mandatory for recognised schools to fill Form VI for hiking school fee.
The Haryana Progressive Schools’ Conference (HPSC) has expressed concern over the delay in the release of the form, and its practical implications.
HPSC (North-Zone) president Prashant Munjal said, “The deadline to deposit Form VI by private independent schools is the end of January every year. Even in March, a representation was given to the directorate, but the portal for Form VI was not opened. The academic session has already commenced (from April 1), and schools have already finalised and communicated their composite fee structures in accordance with the amended Haryana Education Act.”
“The form has now been made available in the third week of April, causing considerable inconvenience to all stakeholders. Our member schools strictly adhered to the legal provisions and timelines, even while they kept waiting for the release of Form VI,” he added.
Munjal said a letter had been sent by HPSC president Suresh Chander to the Secondary Education (Haryana) Director. The letter detailed that the responsibility for the delay in issuing Form VI directions rested with the authorities concerned. Therefore, any retrospective imposition of conditions or scrutiny at this stage would be unjustified and potentially litigious.
The fee structures for 2025-26 were already in place, the letter added.
The late availability of Form VI had made its filing a mere procedural formality. Any attempt to question or alter the declared fee based on delayed procedural formats would be both disruptive and legally untenable, the letter read.
Munjal said, “We have requested the director to take a practical and policy-consistent approach in the matter, and refrain from enforcing any retrospective conditions through Form VI. Even the form issued at this stage lacks clarity over several issues, and we will raise the matter with the department.”
Meanwhile, District Elementary Education Officer Sudhir Kalra said, “The department has released the form and it is mandatory for all recognised schools to fill it. Schools should have waited for the form to be released before hiking fee. If the fee is increased as per the norms, there will be no objection by the department, but if there are any complaints or unjustified hikes, then directions from the department will be implemented.”
Haryana Tribune