Education Secretary Lal Jan Jafar discusses vacation fees and urges schools to offer installment plans
Quetta (Syed Sardar Muhammad Khondai): Balochistan Secretary Education Lal Jan Jafar says the law does not prohibit private schools from collecting vacation fees. However, he has urged schools to offer parents installment plans.
He made these remarks during a meeting with the Balochistan Private Schools Associations Alliance on October 15. The delegation discussed fee collection and other challenges facing private educational institutions.
Secretary Education Explains Vacation Fee Policy
The delegation raised concerns about an announcement by the Deputy Commissioner West Quetta. According to the representatives, the official had barred private schools from collecting double fees during an open court session.
The delegation explained how the announcement had affected private schools. It also highlighted their financial and administrative challenges.
Lal Jan Jafar listened to the representatives and assured them of the department’s support. He said the department had formed a team to resolve the issue.
The secretary also said officials had discussed the matter with the Deputy Commissioner East Quetta. He stated that the Balochistan Private Schools Registration and Promotion Act 2022 does not prohibit vacation fee collection.
However, he urged schools to cooperate with parents. He recommended installment plans to ease the financial burden on families.
Private Schools’ Role in Balochistan Education
The secretary said the Education Department respected the legitimate concerns of private institutions. He added that officials would handle the matter in accordance with the law.
He also praised private schools for providing education across Balochistan. He particularly highlighted their contribution in remote areas. According to the secretary, private institutions play an important role in improving literacy across the province.
The delegation included Alliance President Malik Rasheed Ahmed Khan Kakar, General Secretary Muhammad Nawaz Pandrani and Spokesperson Haji Saleem Nasir.
Other members included Vice Chairman Hafiz Naimatullah Khan Kakar, Treasurer Jamil Ahmed Mashwani, Joint Secretary Abdul Zahir Khan Kakar and Education Secretary Liaqat Ali Hazara.
The delegation thanked Lal Jan Jafar for hearing its concerns. It expressed hope that the Education Department would continue helping private schools resolve their problems.
Meanwhile, representatives of the private school sector defended vacation fee collection. They said schools must continue paying staff salaries, building rent and other operating expenses during holidays, including the winter break.
They also criticised individuals whom they accused of repeatedly circulating the deputy commissioner’s announcement because of personal grievances. The representatives said private institutions deserved recognition for their educational services rather than what they described as unfair criticism.
The legal position and any applicable administrative orders should be checked against official documents before publication.
