Protests Erupt Across Punjab as Parents and Teachers Challenge Controversial Fee Collection

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) is facing a storm of criticism and protests for imposing fees on students in the 5th and 8th grades for obtaining certificates and registration. The move has ignited anger among parents and teachers, who contend that such fees are unauthorized and against the principles of the Right to Education Act of 2009.

Under the current policy, all students in the 5th and 8th grades are required to pay a fee of Rs 200 to obtain certificates, along with an additional Rs 200 for registration. Furthermore, late registrations will incur a hefty penalty of Rs 1500. The PSEB has also announced a charge of Rs 200 for issuing hard copies of certificates to students in the 5th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades.

The Right to Education Act of 2009 expressly prohibits the collection of any fees from students in grades 5 to 8, making the PSEB's actions contentious and legally questionable.

Digvijay Pal Sharma, President of the Teachers Front, and Balbir Chand Longowal, General Secretary, voiced their strong objections to the fee collection. They stressed that the PSEB cannot arbitrarily impose such charges on students and their parents. The move has affected numerous families, who are now burdened with what amounts to crores of rupees in fees.

Notably, Parents and teachers alike are demanding immediate action from the authorities to rectify this situation and ensure that the principles of accessible education are upheld.