Relief unlikely before 2018 academic session: Experts

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat high court may have upheld the fee regulation act passed by the Gujarat government but parents should not expect any big relief before the new academic session begins in 2018. Incidentally, the new academic session begins after the summer vacation every year.
Experts said that the high court order is likely to be challenged in the Supreme Court.Even otherwise, the process of applying to the zonal Fee Regulatory Committee (FRC) for the fee structure that can be charged will take at least six more months.
“Even if schools apply to the FRC, they have the option to appeal before the fee committe headed by retired high court judge,” said Manan Choksi, trustee of Udgam School. “If the school authorities are still not satisfied, they can move the high court and later also knock on the doors of Supreme Court. This entire process can take more than six months which effectively means that the new fee structure is likely to be implemented only by the academic year of 2018,” said Manan Choksi, trustee of Udgam School.
Prakash Kapadia, president of Jagega Gujarat Vali Mandal, said that the time frame within which parents can expect relief, is difficult to predict. “The issue is going to face many legal challenges in the future as well,” Kapadia said.