Parents of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir (ISWK) are in a fix as the school stated that its management committee has approved the fee hike for the academic year 2019-20 by RO2 per month amounting to RO24 per annum, per child.

Parents of ISWK students were voicing their opposition to the fee hike which they alleged is unjustifiable.

“We are clueless on what to do. We will have to talk to others and decide on plans,” a group of parents told The Arabian Stories on condition of anonymity.

ISWK stated that along with the strong support of its stakeholders, it has consistently striven to maintain the quality of education for the students all through the years, which has been witnessed in high academic achievements, numerous activities on and off the field and infrastructure development.

The decision to increase the fee was taken with robust forward planning and further enhancements in mind, a communiqué from the School Management Committee said. “In addition to the above, there are several planned academic and co-scholastic activities which the school initiates, pro-actively to provide an all-round development of all students at ISWK. In order to avoid the inconvenience and difficulties faced by the parents on procuring costumes, other related materials, transportation for excursions/picnics etc and for the teachers who collect the same during class hours, the school management has decided, that a lump-sum amount of RO10 per annum, to be collected along with term fee.

“This would ensure that the teacher as well as the child is not required to handle cash which has posed several operational challenges.

“Parents will henceforth not be required to pay any additional amount towards the activities planned for the academic year. However, this does not include external examinations, national/ international tours and overnight trips,” it said.

The total hike for the academic year 2019-20 is RO24, plus RO10, totalling RO34. The school also requested parents not to be confused with the varied messages circulating in social media, in respect of the revised fee structure.

The School Management Committee added, “We would also like to take this opportunity to inform that we do not collect any deposits for new admissions or charge any contribution towards infrastructure purely with an intention to avoid any financial burden on the parents. Additionally, the school has been offering a ‘Fee Concession’ to the needy parents based on submission of proof of income.”

Meanwhile, the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman said it had a lengthy meeting with the parents, and it would take their grievances to the School Management Committee, and decide on the next course of action.