Ranchi (Jharkhand): The Jharkhand Parents’ Association has strongly opposed the recent decision of the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) to increase the examination fees for Matriculation and Intermediate examinations once again. The association termed the decision an unnecessary financial burden on students belonging to poor, middle class and economically weaker families and urged the state government to intervene immediately.
Ajay Rai, president of the Jharkhand Parents’ Association, said that the continuous increase in Matriculation and Intermediate examination fees for the second consecutive year by JAC is unfortunate and concerning. He pointed out that an increase of nearly 40 per cent in examination fees within just two years raises serious questions about the right to education and the principle of equal opportunities.
He stated that most students studying in government schools come from families of labourers, farmers, economically weaker sections and lower middle class backgrounds. A large number of these students work hard and pursue their education despite financial difficulties, with the hope of building a better future for themselves, their families and the state. In such circumstances, repeated increases in examination fees create additional financial barriers and adversely affect their aspirations.
The association has urged the state government to review the examination fee hike introduced by JAC and immediately withdraw the revised rates, restoring the previously applicable fee structure. It has also demanded special concessions and financial relief for students from economically weaker families. Furthermore, the association suggested that parents’ organisations, student bodies and education experts should be consulted before implementing any future increase in examination fees.
Ajay Rai warned that if the government failed to take timely action on the issue and continued to ignore the concerns of students and parents, public resentment among the student community could intensify. He said that students might be compelled to take to the streets and launch democratic protests against the additional financial burden.
