AMSU appeals schools to waive off fees for lockdown period
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 28 2020:
The All Manipur Students' Union has appealed schools not to take fees for the lockdown period amidst the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Stating that the people of the State are facing immense hardship due to the COVID-19 inflicted lockdown, with many unable to earn even livelihood, AMSU in a statement today said schools should not burden the parents of the students with fees.
Appealing the schools to waive off fees for the lockdown period, AMSU said that the Government should also look into the matter and provide relief to the families of the students.
It should advise schools not to take fees for the period of the lockdown, said AMSU.
Since all educational institutions have been shut due to the lockdown, there is rising need for online classes and other educational programme online, on TVs and radio, it said appealing Government to facilitate introduction of educational programmes for students on local TV channels.
Meanwhile, some schools have been reportedly forcing students/parents to pay fees in order to avail online classes, claimed AMSU.
Schools authorities should not take advantage at this juncture, instead they should provide relief to the parents, AMSU said adding salaries of all staff may be managed from the School Management Fund and other such funds.
It also appealed Government to release all pending scholarship amount of the students.
The Manipur Private Schools (Registration & Regulation) Act, 2017 and Boarding/Hostel Regulations Act should be enforced after the lockdown ends, added AMSU.