The Sindh Education Department has taken a commendable step to ease the financial burden on parents and students by issuing a directive to private schools, barring them from charging additional advance fees. This measure is designed to provide relief to families, ensuring a more manageable fee structure during the academic year.

What the Directive Entails

In a letter issued on December 23, 2024, the Directorate of Inspection and Private Institutions laid out specific guidelines for fee collection. Private schools are now permitted to collect tuition fees from matric students (Grades IX and X) only up to April. The policy aligns with the schedule for annual examinations in March 2025, after which tuition for the remainder of the year is not applicable.

Additional Director Registration, Private Institutions Sindh, Rafia Javed, emphasized the need for strict compliance with these new guidelines, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting parents amidst rising educational expenses.

Fee Collection Schedule for Other Grades

For students in pre-primary to Grade IX and those promoted to Grade X in 2025, the following fee collection schedule has been mandated:

• June Fees: Vouchers to be issued in April, payable by June.
• July Fees: Vouchers to be issued in May, payable by July.

This streamlined schedule ensures parents have adequate time to plan their finances without facing undue pressure.

A Step Towards Fair Education Practices

The directive reinforces the government’s stance on fair education practices and its intent to prioritize the well-being of students and their families. By limiting advance fee collection, the policy aims to strike a balance between the operational needs of private institutions and the financial capabilities of parents.