For parents already juggling rising cost of education, another fee increase forced parents to knock door of Sindh Ombudsman, putting the school’s practices under official scrutiny.
Parents of Beaconhouse School System students say the costs have become increasingly difficult to manage, prompting them to take their concerns to the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh. During a hearing chaired by Ombudsman Sindh Muhammad Sohail Rajput, parents raised complaints about alleged annual fee increases and several other expenses they say are adding to the overall cost of their children’s education.
Special Secretary Education Shazia Qazi, Director General Private Schools Muhammad Afzal, Additional Director Rafia Javed and other officials attended the hearing. Parents told the authorities that school fees are allegedly increased almost every year and claimed that the process does not always follow the required regulatory framework. For families with more than one child, they said, even a seemingly small increase can translate into a substantial additional expense over the year.
The parents also spoke about school uniforms, alleging that they are changed approximately every two years. They said this creates another recurring cost, particularly for families who have to purchase uniforms for several children. Books and course materials were another major concern.
According to the parents, certain curriculum materials and courses have to be purchased through designated vendors, which they claim can make them considerably more expensive. They also alleged that books bought for an older child cannot be reused by younger siblings. For parents, that means paying for another set of books even when the existing ones are still perfectly usable.
The complaints come as private schools across Sindh face increasing scrutiny over their fee practices. Last month, the provincial government ordered a Karachi private school to reverse an unauthorised fee increase after authorities found that tuition had been raised without approval from the relevant registration authority.
Sindh Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions has also warned schools against charging more than their approved fees or adding undisclosed charges. Schools have been directed to display their approved fee structures and provide the details to parents when requested.
Under the Sindh Private Educational Institutions (Regulation & Control) Rules, 2005, private schools can raise monthly tuition by up to 5% each year, but they must obtain prior approval from the registering authority, according to a Sindh Assembly response. Authorities have warned that schools found violating the rules could face penalties, suspension or cancellation of registration, depending on the seriousness of the violation.
Ombudsman Sindh directed DG Private Schools to investigate the allegations and submit a report by next week. The ombudsman made it clear that private schools must operate within the law and charge fees in accordance with the prescribed regulations. If the allegations are substantiated, the school concerned could face regulatory action.
The school administration is yet to comment on the matter amid outrage on social platforms.
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