Noida schools can't force parents to pay fees during COVID-19 lockdown; order warns of penalty, even jail

No educational institution across Noida and Greater Noida can force parents to pay fees during the COVID-19 lockdown, a new government order states.

The schools can also not stop students from attending online classes. Source - PTI.

No educational institution across Noida and Greater Noida can force parents to pay fees during the COVID-19 lockdown, a new government order states. The schools can also not stop students from attending online classes, it adds. The violation of the order can attract legal action, entailing up to a year-long jail term or stringent fine, or both against the offender, Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Suhas L Y said in an order, issued on Saturday.

“COVID-19 has already been declared a disaster in Uttar Pradesh, while a complete lockdown is in place to fight the pandemic across the state and the country till April 14. In such a situation, all educational institutions in Gautam Buddh Nagar are directed not to force parents of any student for fees during the lockdown period, nor bar students from online classes," Suhas stated.

“Any violation of the order will invite legal action under provisions of the National Disaster Management Act, 2005 which includes a one-year jail term or fine or both. And if there is any loss of life or property during the violation, the jail term can extend up to two years," the order stated.

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All schools and colleges across the district were shut down in March like other public places amid an outbreak of coronavirus. Gautam Buddh Nagar has recorded 58 positive cases of COVID-19 so far, according to officials.

The neighbouring Haryana too has taken a similar decision. The Haryana government had last week ordered that all fee collection activities be suspended by schools till the lockdown is over.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown across India till April 14 with an objective to combat the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far claimed thousands of lives worldwide.

HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' had on Sunday said, a decision will be taken on reopening of schools and colleges on April 14 after reviewing the situation.

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education Coronavirus