Private schools in Karachi and several other areas of Sindh have started charging tuition fees for June and July much earlier than scheduled, even though the provincial education department and the Directorate of Private Schools have clearly banned advance fee collection.
Parents reported that many private schools issued fee vouchers for the summer vacation months during February and March. Some institutions also asked parents to pay annual charges along with the advanced summer fees.
Several parents claimed that students who do not submit these vouchers are being warned that they may not be allowed to attend classes. The Directorate of Private Schools has declared the advance collection of June and July fees unlawful and against official regulations.
Officials have once again directed schools to follow the government approved fee schedule. Parents have raised concerns about the increasing financial burden, especially with Ramadan and Eid approaching, when household spending usually rises.
According to parents, paying two months of tuition fees together, along with annual charges, has become very challenging due to rising inflation. Many families have requested the provincial government to take strict action against schools ignoring official orders and to provide relief to parents facing financial difficulties.