J&K private schools directed to cut transport fees during academic breaks
Srinagar, July 1 (KINS): In a move aimed at easing the financial burden on parents, the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) of Jammu and Kashmir has issued a revised directive on transport fee collection by private schools during academic breaks.
According to a corrigendum issued to its earlier order dated July 25, 2024, the FFRC has amended Point No. 1 of the order to regulate the transport fee charges during the winter break in Kashmir division and the summer break in Jammu division.
As per the new guidelines, private schools that run their own transport services can now charge only 50% of the regular transport fee during these vacation periods. However, schools that outsource transportation through third-party or contractual agencies are not permitted to charge any transport fee during the breaks.
The directive will be implemented from the academic session 2024–25 in Kashmir division and from 2025–26 in Jammu division.
The Directorates of School Education in both Jammu and Kashmir have been instructed to ensure strict compliance and monitoring of the order.
Justice (Retd.) Suni Hall, Chairperson of the FFRC, stressed the need for fairness and transparency in fee collection, particularly during non-operational periods of school transport.
The order has been circulated among all private educational institutions and relevant government departments and has also been made public to keep parents, students, and stakeholders informed.
The FFRC expressed hope that the move will provide much-needed financial relief to families during school holidays.
For more information, stakeholders can visit the official website www.jkffc.in or contact the respective Directorates of School Education. (KINS)
