Hike in KV School Fees – Stayed by Court

The Kerala High Court on Monday stayed the decision of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) enhancing fees in the Kendriya Vidyalayas from the next academic year.

Justice P R Ramachandra Menon issued the interim order on a petition filed by Kendriya Vidyalaya Parents Association secretary George Felix Antony challenging the decision.

In a notification, the KVS had stated that the computer fund and Vidyalaya Vikas Nidhi would be doubled. It had enhanced the Vidyalaya Vikas Nidhi (VVN) fee to Rs.500 a month.The petitioner said that the steep hike had been effected at a time when substantial amounts to the tune of Rs.253 crore was lying unutilised in the VVN accounts all over India.This had been reported by the Joint Commissioner of the KVS. There was no rhyme or reason to enhance fees any more, especially when Article 21A and the RTE Act enjoined the Centre to impart free and compulsory education. The KVs are schools controlled by the Central Government and hence the Right To Education Act willapply to them.