Sindh Schools Slammed for ‘Illegal’ Summer Fees: Parents Forced to Pay 2 Months in Advance

Sindh Schools Slammed for ‘Illegal’ Summer Fees: Parents Forced to Pay 2 Months in Advance

Despite explicit directives from Sindh’s Directorate of Private Schools and the provincial education department prohibiting advance fee collection , a growing number of private educational institutions across Karachi and interior Sindh have reportedly begun charging parents for June and July summer vacation months as early as February.

Parents from multiple districts have come forward alleging that several private schools issued fee vouchers for the summer break well ahead of schedule, with some institutions additionally demanding hefty annual and admission charges bundled with these advance payments. The practice has triggered widespread concern among families already grappling with soaring inflation and additional household expenses during the holy month of Ramadan.

Advance Fee Demands Create Financial Crunch for Families

According to complaints registered with parent-teacher associations and consumer rights forums, many schools issued combined vouchers covering tuition fees for March, April, May, June, and July with the latter two months’ fees demanded three to four months in advance.

“Schools are clearly violating government orders. We received a voucher in February that included June and July fees along with annual charges. When we questioned the administration, we were told that failure to submit payment by the deadline would result in our child being barred from classes,” said Rashid Ahmed, a parent of two children enrolled in a private school in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal area.

Similar complaints have surfaced from Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Nawabshah, indicating a widespread pattern of non-compliance across the province.

Directorate of Private Schools Terms Practice Illegal

The Directorate of Private Schools Sindh has unequivocally termed the advance collection of summer vacation fees as illegal and in clear violation of previously issued notifications.

Speaking to the media, a senior official from the directorate confirmed that no revision has been made to existing policies governing fee collection schedules. “Private schools are bound by law to follow the prescribed fee structure and collection timeline. Demanding June and July fees in February or March is a direct contravention of government directives. Strict action will be taken against institutions found violating these rules,” the official stated.

Despite repeated assurances from authorities, parents maintain that enforcement remains weak, with many schools openly flouting regulations without facing consequences.

Inflation, Ramadan Compound Parents Financial Burden

The timing of these advance fee demands has compounded financial stress for thousands of families. With Ramadan underway, household expenditures on food, charity, and daily necessities typically surge. The requirement to pay two months tuition upfront often amounting to tens of thousands of rupees has pushed many parents to their limits.

“We are already dealing with unprecedented inflation. Basic utilities, groceries, and transportation costs have skyrocketed. For schools to demand summer fees now is not just illegal, it is morally irresponsible,” said Amna Tariq, a working mother from North Nazimabad.

Several parents have also pointed out that schools continue to charge full tuition during the summer break even when no academic activities are conducted. “If the school remains closed for two months, why should we pay full fees? And now they want this money months in advance,” questioned another parent.

Legal Framework and Previous Notifications

The Sindh government and Directorate of Private Schools have in the past issued multiple notifications regulating fee collection. Under existing rules, schools are prohibited from charging fees for months when no academic sessions are held unless specifically permitted. Additionally, institutions cannot increase fees more than once a year and must seek approval from the relevant fee regulatory committees before implementing any hike.

Education experts argue that the current situation exposes the lack of an effective monitoring mechanism. “These violations occur every year without fail. The government issues warnings, but schools continue because there are no real penalties. Authorities must move beyond statements and take concrete action, including registration suspensions for repeat offenders,” said Shahid Hussain, an education policy analyst.

Schools Defend Practice, Cite Operational Costs

While most institutions have avoided official comment, some school administrators defended the practice on grounds of financial planning. Speaking anonymously, a principal of a prominent private school in Karachi stated, “We have staff salaries, utility bills, and maintenance costs to cover year-round. Collecting fees in advance helps us manage cash flow during summer when many parents delay payments.”

However, critics dismiss this justification, noting that private schools already charge significant fees and often possess substantial financial reserves.

Parents Demand Government Intervention

Parent advocacy groups have now formally approached the Sindh Ombudsman and the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, demanding immediate intervention. Among the key demands are:

• Strict penal action against schools collecting advance fees

• Refund of illegally collected summer charges to parents

• Establishment of a dedicated helpline and mobile inspection units to receive and act on complaints

• Public display of school fee policies and government notifications at all institutions

“We are not against quality education or reasonable fees. But we cannot accept arbitrary financial demands that ignore both law and parental hardship. The government must show it is serious about protecting citizens from exploitation,” said Nadeem Sheikh, a representative of the United Parents’ Forum.

Growing Demand for Accountability

As Ramadan continues and summer vacation approaches, the issue of illegal advance fee collection is unlikely to subside without decisive administrative action. The increasing financial burden on middle-class and lower-middle-class families already strained by economic pressures has amplified calls for systemic accountability within the private education sector.

The Sindh education department now faces mounting pressure to translate its verbal condemnations into enforceable actions, with thousands of parents watching closely. Whether the government can rein in powerful private school chains or whether parents will be left to bear yet another unofficial levy remains to be seen.