The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has condemned the practice of higher secondary schools in Goa collecting what it termed as unauthorized and excessive fees under the guise of “prospectus” charges during the admission process. The student organisation has objected to what it described as inflated amounts being charged from students and parents.
Seeking transparency and uniformity, ABVP has proposed two measures to the Education Minister and the Directorate of Education. It has suggested that, on the lines of several senior colleges, higher secondary schools should make their prospectus available online free of cost in PDF format through their official websites.
The organisation has also stated that in cases where printed copies are necessary, the cost of a prospectus should not exceed ₹100 under any circumstances.
© ABVPABVP pointed out that many higher education institutions already provide prospectuses either free or at minimal cost during admissions, and said a similar approach should be adopted by higher secondary schools. It has urged the Education Department to issue a government order capping the fee at ₹100 and to ensure that students are not compelled to purchase printed copies when digital versions can be made available.
The group further demanded strict action against institutions found charging excessive fees. It also called for refunds to students who have already paid inflated amounts for prospectuses during the ongoing admission process.
Yash Kantak, Konkan Joint Secretary of ABVP, said, “While some schools provide information booklets free of cost, others are charging up to ₹1000. This disparity is unjust. A prospectus is meant to provide information, not to generate profit. If this exploitative practice that burdens students financially is not stopped and a cap is not imposed, a strong agitation will be launched in the interest of students and parents.”
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