STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: All schools in Assam have been closed since the commencement of lockdown over COVID-19. Meanwhile, various sections of the public have raised a demand for the exemption of students’ fees in all the privately-run schools and junior colleges for the lockdown period. Of course, a section of private schools and junior colleges in the State have already made public their exemption of fees during the lockdown period.
Mentionable, education in the government-run schools across the State is free of cost.
Talking to The Sentinel, AASU (All Assam Students’ Union) adviser-in-chief Samujjal Bhattacharya said, “It’s a serious matter – This humanistic issue is entwined with the health angle. We’ve appealed to the school authorities to view the matter from both the humanitarian and health perspectives; and exempt the students from paying their fees for the lockdown period. Many families from the lower income group also send their children to some private schools.”
A section of school authorities, on the other hand, wants to say that such an exemption will make it difficult for them to pay salaries to the teachers and other staff members.
On this, the AASU adviser-in-chief said, “They’re right. However, in such a situation, we feel that the students shouldn’t be burdened with their teachers’ salaries. It’s imperative on the part of the school authorities to find a way out. We believe that the school authorities will chalk out a positive approach.
“Already, a number of private schools have announced exemption of students’ fees for the lockdown period. We also appeal to the State government to take a stand on the issue.”
Ramesh Saikia, who runs a small tea stall in Guwahati, said, “My son is studying in a private school. However, now the situation is different. For the last one month, I couldn’t open my tea stall. Besides, I don’t know how long this lockdown period will continue. Against this backdrop, paying fees for my son is indeed a heavy burden for me.”
Nandita Sahariya, the guardian of another student of a private school in Guwahati, said, “The State Government should issue a directive to the school authorities on this issue. The sources of income of many parents have gone dry during the lockdown period. The State government has been extending assistance to the people of the State affected by the lockdown. Let it help the students as well.”