Non-registered schools to face fine up to Rs40 lakh

LAHORE: Private schools being run without registration, those increasing fees illegally, or refusing to adjust the extra amount already received from students will have to pay heavy fine, according to an ordinance issued by the Punjab governor here on Saturday.
According to the Private Educational Institutions Promotion and Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance 2015, the private schools violating the law would be imposed fines from Rs20,000 to Rs40 lakh.
Private educational institutions have been directed to adjust the extra fees received earlier in the next month’s fee within seven days of issuance of the ordinance.
The ordinance said that besides the monthly fee, admission fee or security fee could also not be increased.
Students and parents could also not be forced to buy uniforms or books from any particular shop. If any institution continues violating the law for more than 30 days, the magistrate could impose Rs2 lakh to Rs20 lakh fine on that institution.
The owners of non-registered educational institutions would be fined Rs3 lakh to Rs40 lakh.
A first class magistrate would conduct hearing of cases related to violation of the ordinance, and the registration authority would not award any punishment without paying a hearing to the accused institutions.