Action initiated over fee hike in Punjab, inquiry against 720 private schools

Chandigarh, April 22: Punjab has ordered an inquiry against 720 private schools for increasing fees despite government orders. As per the reports, some of these schools also failed to notify additional shops for buying textbooks and uniforms. The news was announced was Punjab Education Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Sunday. He also added that strict action will be taken against those who violated the order issued by the government. "Inquiries have been ordered into 720 private schools against which complaints were received. Strict action will be taken if found guilty," read a roughly translated tweet by the Punjab education minister. Also Read | Punjab Police nabs five gangsters from Ludhiana mall Notably, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on March 30 had ordered the private schools not to raise fee or force parents and their wards to purchase books from particular shops. District Education Officers were also instructed to ensure that the order was followed in letter and spirit. However, some schools opposed the move and argued that legally they were allowed to hike the fee by 8 percent annually. Also Read | PM Modi to receive first Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award in Mumbai -PTC News