The Punjab government has issued a stern warning to private schools in Lahore regarding their practice of demanding extra funds from parents and restricting the purchase of uniforms and books to specific shops.
The District Registration Authority, under the direction of Lahore Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider, sent notices to school principals and owners, citing legal provisions outlined in The Punjab Private Educational Institutions (Promotion and Regulation) Ordinance 1984.
The notice emphasizes that private schools are only permitted to charge tuition and admission fees according to Section 7A(7) and (10) of the ordinance. It explicitly states that schools cannot mandate parents to buy uniforms and books from designated vendors.
This development follows instructions from Deputy Commissioner Haider to Pervez Akhtar, CEO of Education Lahore, to issue warnings to all private schools in the district.
In a specific case regarding LACAS School, Deputy Commissioner Haider pointed out that the school admitted to charging technology fees beyond tuition and admission fees. Additionally, the school management was found to be obligating students to purchase books and uniforms from their approved vendors.
Consequently, CEO Akhtar clarified that any complaints received would result in action taken against the offending school under relevant clauses of the law.
It further warns that schools found violating the ordinance will face penalties, with complaints referred to the District Registering Authority for further action.
In light of the warning, schools are instructed to submit a compliance report detailing their adherence to the ordinance’s provisions. Failure to comply will result in penalties as stipulated in The Punjab Private Educational Institutions (Promotion and Regulation) Ordinance 1984.
