Hundreds of private school teachers in Jaipur staged a protest against the state government’s decision of deferring school fees. The teachers gathered at Central Park and walked till Statue Circle holding placards and banners against the government’s decision. The Jaipur teachers said that such a decision has increased problems for them as they are already working with half salaries ever since lockdown, hence the protest again deferring fees.

One of the school teachers said, “When parents won’t pay fees how will the schools operate. Schools are financially broke and most of us are working on half salaries. Many schools, especially low-cost schools do not have budget to pay salaries or the rent at all. Teachers are suffering because of this decision.”

While another school teacher said, “We understand some parents may be facing financial crisis but those who are capable should be made to pay school fees. Government must not decide only looking at parents’ perspective, but should take into account other views as well. Since lockdown, teachers are taking online classes continuously. There are teachers who are not well-versed with technology but we still learned new skills for welfare of children. Government must take decision thinking about us as we have to pay our bills as well.”

The Rajasthan government deferred school fees in April for three months, up till June following protests by parents to waive off school fees during the lockdown period until schools reopen. Private schools’ administration and teachers said that this step has hit the schools badly who are already suffering from financial crunch.

Source: Times of India

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