RAUTAHAT, DECEMBER 24

Angry students at Juddha Secondary School of Rautahat have padlocked the administration and the principal’s office taking exception to the school’s act of charging fees in the name of running classes in English medium.

The government has envisioned free education up to secondary level through its Compulsory and Free Education-related Article of Association 2077.

Though the school has been providing free education to students studying in Nepali medium, it’s also running classes in English medium by charging fees.

“A community school can’t charge any fees, be it in the name of running classes in English medium or something else. Free education must be provided by such schools as envisioned by the government,” said student leader Rabi Mishra.

Guardians have accused the school of promoting discrimination and educational disparities among the rich and the poor.

Various student unions have spoken against the school after it started admitting students by charging extra amount for admission fees and monthly fees for English-medium classes.

Taking exception to the school’s act, student unions have also submitted a memorandum to Chief District Officer Indradev Yadav.

On his part, principal Chandeshwor Raut said the school had to charge fees as there were not enough teachers to run classes. “As we don’t have enough teachers, we have run English medium classes from our own resources by charging certain fees,” he said.