Ensuring accessible and fair education for all remains a top priority in Pakistan. Recently, the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) took a decisive step. They issued a clear directive, limiting how much private schools can increase their annual private school fees. This move aims to protect parents from arbitrary hikes and ensure compliance across the capital.
New Regulations for Private School Fees
Following a crucial meeting with school representatives, Acting PEIRA Chairman Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah announced the new fee structure. Significantly, schools can now only raise annual fees by up to five percent. This measure directly addresses concerns from parents and parliamentary bodies regarding excessive charges. Furthermore, any request for an additional increase, up to three percent, must be rigorously justified. Schools must provide detailed, audited expenditure records to PEIRA for approval in such special cases.
Strict Enforcement and Fee Caps
It is imperative to understand that under no circumstances can any school increase fees by more than eight percent annually. Dr. Mallah emphasized that PEIRA will strictly enforce these new fee regulations. Consequently, compliance will be meticulously monitored across all private educational institutions in Islamabad. Parents are strongly encouraged to report any violations of this policy. Promptly, PEIRA will investigate and take decisive action against non-compliant schools.
Commitment to Inclusive Education and Registration
In addition to fee controls, PEIRA reiterated its commitment to social responsibility. All private schools are now mandated to provide free education to at least 10 percent of students from needy backgrounds. Notably, children of martyrs will receive priority in these provisions. This directive highlights a broader vision for inclusive education within the private sector.
Tackling Unregistered Schools
Moreover, PEIRA is actively planning measures against unregistered private schools operating in Islamabad. Approximately 1,500 schools are currently registered with the authority. However, a significant number continue to operate without proper authorization. Consequently, this unregistered status poses challenges for oversight and regulation. The authority’s proactive approach aims to bring all educational institutions under regulatory purview, ensuring consistent standards and accountability.
Why These Regulations Matter
This directive from PEIRA comes after considerable deliberation. Both the National Assembly and a Senate standing committee expressed significant concerns over reports of excessive private school fees charged by various institutions. Therefore, these new regulations are a direct response to public and parliamentary demands for greater transparency and fairness in the private education sector. Ultimately, they aim to create a more equitable educational landscape for families across Islamabad.
