MUSCAT: Parents of Indian Schools in Oman have welcomed the Board of Directors’ (BOD) decision to implement ‘monthly fee pay’ scheme instead of quarterly in the wake of coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.

Early this month, the BOD proposed the “monthly fee scheme” to reduce financial burden on the parents.

“Paying fees monthly is the way forward especially in a situation like this when people will find it difficult to pay quarterly,” said a parent whose child is studying in Indian School Muscat.

Another parent from Indian School Al Mabela said: “As a parent I am watching how efficiently you (school) are managing the situation. The monthly payment scheme is a relief for many. Covid-19 has affected many businesses in Oman but this will also pass,” he said.

As all schools are suspended due to the coronavirus crisis, Indian Schools have started online classes for students. “Its a great initiative but there are flaws in it which I think will be rectified by the team,” he added.

According to a senior BOD official, 90 per cent of all Indian schools’ income goes for paying staff salaries. “We (Indian Schools) do not generate any extra income. 90% of our revenue are used to pay the salaries of our staff that includes teachers. If you compare the fees structure of Indian schools with other private schools, we are the lowest in the region,” he said.

“We are always there to listen to the concerns of the parents especially in this Covid-19 situation. We know the difficulties faced by parents and thats why we have taken these measures to reduce their burden,” he added.

Last week The Arabian Stories had reported about the difficulties faced by the schools in finding funds to pay staff salary. “This is a very critical situation for everyone. What we are going to see is significant strain and pressure on cash flow as many parents are delaying paying the fees and this means, many schools may delay in paying the staff salary,” he added