PEIRA has given a new strict order with a definite boundary on the extent to which the private schools of Islamabad can raise their annual fees. The policy is also meant to help shield parents against abrupt financial strain besides accountability and equity throughout the private education industry.
The announcement was made after a lengthy consultation meeting between PEIRA authorities and the representatives of the private schools at a meeting on Friday.
Private Schools Allowed a Maximum 5% Annual Fee Increase
PEIRA Chairman, who was acting as Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah, confirmed that all the registered private schools in Islamabad had the option of increasing their annual fees by up to five percent as a standard adjustment.
This rise is in all schools which are under the official PEIRA policy of fee.
According to the authority, the five percent limit will make sure that schools have financial sustainability without imposing high expenses on parents.
Additional 3% Increase Allowed Only in Special Cases
PEIRA has permitted up to three percent increase that can only be done in extraordinary cases. In order to implement this, schools must:
- Provide proper justification
- Submit audited expenditure details
- Present a valid explanation for the additional increase
No school may exceed the standard five percent limit without having full and approved documentation.
8% Is the Maximum Fee Increase Allowed
PEIRA states that the maximum increase that can be applied by the private schools under any circumstances is eight percent.
Dr. Mallah noted that the authority will be very strict on the institutions which were going to be in default of this regulation.
The schools that charge fees other than the approved limit will face penalties.
PEIRA to Strictly Enforce Fee Regulations
PEIRA has reassured parents that it will increase its surveillance in order to make sure that 100 percent compliance is observed all over Islamabad.
The authority encouraged the parents to be vigilant and report on any anomalies of increasing fees or not adhering to the set policies.
10% Free Education Mandatory for Needy Students
PEIRA has strengthened a significant social responsibility principle: all the privately run schools should reserve 10 percent of free seats to deserving students with preference given to:
- Children of martyrs
- Financially disadvantaged families
Such policy promotes the equality of education and it offers effective access to quality education to needy children.
Parents Encouraged to Report Fee Violations
Dr. Mallah encouraged the parents to report any school that:
- Increases fees beyond allowed limits
- Fails to offer mandatory free seats
- Ignores PEIRA regulations
Action Against Unregistered Private Schools
PEIRA also declared crack down on the unregistered private schools that were running in Islamabad.
There are approximately 1,500 registered schools at the moment with many still operating without authorization.
The authority will also act to provide the appropriate regulation, educational standards, and accountability.
The move by PEIRA to limit the increases in fees is an important move towards ensuring that the costs of obtaining private education in Islamabad are lowered and made more transparent. Through restriction of fee increase, close supervision, and a regulation to provide free education to the needy students, the government will curb the balance between quality education and equality.
To implement the policy effectively, parents are advised to keep up to date and report any form of violation to ensure that the policy is applied effectively.
