Assam Government Seeks to Regulate Private Minority School Fees
The Assam state government has taken a significant step toward regulating fee structures in private schools run by minority communities. On Wednesday, the government introduced an amendment bill in the legislative assembly that aims to bring these institutions under the purview of fee regulation.
The proposed legislation would exclude only those schools that are run and financially aided by either the central or state government, marking a substantial shift in the education policy landscape.
Current Exemption and Proposed Changes
According to the official statement of objects and reasons accompanying the amendment bill, more than 200 non-government educational institutions established and maintained by minority communities in Assam currently enjoy exemption from fee regulation. This exemption exists under the existing Assam Non-Government Educational Institutes (Regulation of Fees) Act of 2018.
These minority-run institutions provide education across multiple levels, including primary, middle, secondary, and higher secondary education. While a regulatory committee currently determines fee structures for other private schools in the state, and government schools offer mostly free education, minority schools have been operating without requiring a "fee fixation certificate."
This exemption has allowed minority schools to set and increase their fees annually without providing any justification for such adjustments. The amendment bill specifically notes that some of these institutions charge higher fees to cover expenses that are not directly related to educational matters.
Concerns from Minority Communities
The Assam Christian Forums (ACF), which represents Christian communities across the state, has expressed strong reservations about the proposed amendment. The organization argues that the bill would lead to what they describe as "unchecked government control" over the fee structures of minority-run educational institutions.
Archbishop John Moolachira, Chairman of ACF, articulated the community's concerns, stating, "We are pained and feel intimidated" by the proposed legislation. He emphasized the historical significance of Christian missionary institutions in developing Assam's education system.
"These schools are not businesses; they are nation builders, our community's heartbeat, preserving our identity, language, and culture through education," Archbishop Moolachira explained. "Now, the government wants to decide how we fund them, which could force many to close or lose what makes them special."
Additional Provisions for Rural Students
Beyond the primary focus on fee regulation, the amendment bill includes another significant provision aimed at supporting students from rural backgrounds. The legislation proposes a 25% discount on admission fees for students from rural areas, applicable to non-government educational institutions operating in panchayat areas.
This measure is designed to ease the financial burden on rural students seeking education in private institutions. The rationale behind this provision, as explained by officials, acknowledges that the cost of maintaining schools in rural areas is comparatively lower than in urban centers, making such discounts feasible for institutions.
The proposed amendment represents the state government's attempt to balance the need for affordable education with the preservation of minority rights in educational administration. As the bill moves through the legislative process, stakeholders on all sides are preparing for further discussions about its potential impact on Assam's educational landscape.
