Srinagar Nov 18: Parents are up in arms against the private coaching centers of the City for manifold and “unwarranted” increase in fees and have urged the authorities to take strong note of it.  
 As results of most of the examinations have been declared, the private coaching centers are abuzz with huge rush of students. However, steep increase in fees has irked most of the students and their parents.
 “I was asked by the management of a coaching center to deposit fee of Rs 6000 as fees for just two subjects. Surprisingly, my friend who studied in the same coaching center told me that last year he had paid Rs 4500 for the same subjects,” a student said.
 A parent Muhammad Ismail said the Government must take strict measures to regulate fees of the coaching centers. “Coaching centers are increasing fees almost every year. However, this year they have broken all records. I have three kids and I pay major part of my salary as their fees,” he said. 
 Another parent, Ali Muhammad alleged that owners of the coaching centers are mostly lecturers and teachers who work in Government colleges and schools.
  “But they prefer to teach in coaching centers instead of schools or colleges. In their respective work places, they don’t take their work seriously. As a result, students are forced take tuitions at coaching centers and pay hefty amount as fees.”
 Parents also demanded that the concerned authorities should ban private coaching centers which are owned by teachers and lecturers who are already on the Government’s payroll.
 The parents alleged there is also overcrowding of students in the coaching centers. “There is no space to sit in the coaching center. We are made to sit in a small room and total number of students in our batch is over hundred.” Arsalan Javid, a student said.  
 Pertinently, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo had last year taken action against some coaching centers in Srinagar in a bid to streamline their functioning.
 The State Government has already directed the coaching centers to “fall in line” and provide requisite facilities to students. The Government vide order No: 435-Edu of 2010 dated: 30-04-2010 has made it mandatory that all private coaching centers should be registered. But despite passing of a year, the order is yet to be implemented.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:00:00 IST