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Pamela Shumba Chronicle Reporter
THE government has warned schools not to increase fees next term saying those that will increase fees without approval will be sanctioned. This comes amid reports that some schools have already increased school fees for next year with parents complaining that the increases were not justified.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cde Lazarous Dokora said schools were only allowed to increase fees if they have been given the green light to do so by the ministry.
He said it was a criminal offence for school heads to hike school fees and levies without consulting the ministry.
“The government’s position is clear on the issue of increasing school fees. We have been continuously communicating with all schools and they are fully aware of the procedures,” said Cde Dokora.
“School authorities have no right to increase levies without getting the permission to do so.”
He said school authorities were required to communicate with the permanent secretary who will then approve the proposed increment if the reasons stated are deemed satisfactory.
Said Cde Dokora: “Schools must prove beyond reasonable doubt that they adhere to all the set measures for the permanent secretary to approve the increment of their fees,” he said adding, “If there are any schools that have increased the fees without communicating with the permanent secretary’s office then they are breaking the law.”
Cde Dokora urged affected parents to approach school authorities and demand proof of permission by the ministry.
“As far as I am concerned, there are no schools that have increased fees unless they have consulted the ministry and also explained to the parents why they are increasing the fees,” he said.
“If, however, there are any such schools, I advise the parents to approach the school authorities and ask to be shown the proof that they have been given green light to increase the fees.”
Last month, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Constance Chigwamba, said government will freeze school fees increases with effect from 2014.
Chigwamba said the decision came as an instruction from Cabinet.
She said the country’s economy was becoming stable, therefore there was no need for school fees increases.
She said education was a constitutional right for all children and warned school heads and school development associations against sending pupils away for non-payment of school fees.
Online Reporter