Bhubaneswar: Several parents of students studying in private schools today staged a dharna before the residence of Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash here alleging that they are being pressurized by the school authorities for payment of fees despite closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Holding placards, the parents resorted to a sit-in opposing the act of the school authorities and demanding the intervention of the minister in the matter.
Students are not being allowed to attend online classes in the case of non-payment of fees, the parents alleged. They further said that the schools are charging transportation fees at a time when only online classes are underway.
On the other hand, the minister said the school fee matter is currently subjudice in the Orissa High Court and the parents should wait for the final decision of the court.
Multiple PILs were filed in the High Court seeking waiver of school fees due to the pandemic. The State Government has told the court that it has no mechanism for fixation of fees for unaided private schools.