The Tamil Nadu State Information Commission has issued a landmark order directing all private schools in the state, including matriculation, government-aided, and CBSE institutions, to promptly display their class-wise fee structure on notice boards at the school entrance. Additionally, schools must publish the fee details on their official websites and include them in enrolment application forms issued to students.
Key Directives from the Commission
Information Commissioner V P R Ilamparithi appointed S Suganya, the Director of School Education Department (Private Schools), as the Public Information Officer (PIO) to ensure compliance. The official has been instructed to submit a compliance report before the commission in person by June 15.
In a detailed order, the commissioner emphasized that transparent fee structures in private schools are essential, as parents often pay beyond their capacity to secure quality education for their children. The commissioner stated, "Every penny the parents pay should be accounted for."
Background of the Case
The directives were issued during the hearing of an appeal under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which alleged delayed and incomplete information regarding fee structures of private schools. The appellant, M Liyakathi Ali, had filed an RTI plea in 2022 before the Public Information Officer of the Coimbatore District Chief Education Office, seeking government directives on fee fixation by private schools.
However, the plea was forwarded to the District Education Officer (DEO), who then redirected it to all private schools in the district instead of providing a direct reply. The first appeal to the Chief Education Officer (CEO) was similarly forwarded to the DEO, prompting the applicant to approach the information commission with a second appeal.
Hearing and Submissions
When the matter came up for hearing on April 8, the PIO (PA to CEO) submitted that a reply to the original petition was furnished in June 2025. However, Liyakathi Ali stated that the reply was incomplete, merely indicating that the information could be obtained from the website. The applicant sought action against the PIO for providing false and misleading information, as well as compensation for mental agony and financial loss.
Commission's Criticism and Penalties
The commission strongly criticized the District Appellate Authority CEO (Private Schools), the PIO (CEO's PA), and the DEO of Coimbatore district for violating the RTI Act, causing unreasonable delay in providing information, and furnishing false and misleading details. The commission sought explanations from all three officials regarding why disciplinary action should not be initiated against them.
Additionally, the commission awarded ₹25,000 as compensation to the appellant for the hardships faced. The CEO has been ordered to conduct an inquiry and submit a report in person, along with a copy of the information furnished to the appellant and an acknowledgement of receipt of the reply, by June 15.
