Panaji: Following a petition from students, the directorate of education (DoE) on Monday issued a circular directing higher secondary schools not to charge more than Rs 100 for prospectus-cum-admission forms.
The students had petitioned that some higher secondary schools charge up to Rs 1,000 for the prospectus.
"It has been brought to the notice that certain schools are charging excessive amounts for the sale of prospectuses along with admission forms. In this regard, heads of all govt and govt-aided schools are directed to strictly adhere to the instructions. The cost of the prospectus (including admission form, if bundled) shall not exceed Rs 100 or the actual cost of printing, whichever is lower," the circular states.
The circular states that no additional or hidden charges be levied under any pretext. "Schools shall maintain transparency in cost calculation and make the same available for inspection, if required by the directorate. Any violation of the instructions shall be viewed seriously and may invite appropriate disciplinary action," the circular states.
On Monday, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) submitted a petition to the directorate condemning the practice of unauthorised fee collection under the guise of 'prospectus' charges by Goa higher secondary schools during admission. ABVP said that higher secondary schools should make their prospectus available free of cost in PDF format on their official websites, similar to senior colleges.
"While some schools provide information booklets free of cost, others charge up to Rs 1,000. This disparity is unjust. A prospectus is meant to provide information, not to generate profit," said ABVP Konkan joint secretary, Yash Kantak.
