Not deposited school fee on time during covid. My children are studying in classes three, four, and five. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I failed to deposit the fee and was unable to send them to school. That is why the school authorities sent me several messages on my mobile phone. However, I refused to reply. Now, they are sending a legal notice to me for the deposit of the school fee, which is pending. The matter is that I did not send my children to study in the school during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this situation, can I be compelled to pay the fee when my children were not studying in the school?
It is important to understand the school’s policy on fee payment and non-attendance during the pandemic. If the school had declared any relaxation in fees during the pandemic or offered online classes, it would be beneficial to use that as a defense in your case. You can also try to negotiate with the school authorities and explain your financial situation and inability to pay the fee during the pandemic. If negotiations fail, it may be advisable to seek legal advice from a lawyer who specializes in education law. They can help you understand your legal rights and provide guidance on how to proceed with the legal notice from the school authorities.
The government has issued various policies and guidelines regarding the payment of school fees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some state governments have directed schools to waive off the fees of economically weaker sections, while others have allowed schools to collect only a portion of the fees during the pandemic. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has also issued guidelines stating that schools should only charge tuition fees and not any other charges such as transportation or sports fees, as these facilities were not available during the pandemic.
It is advisable to check the guidelines and policies issued by your state government and the education board your children are enrolled in regarding the payment of school fees during the pandemic. You can also communicate with the school authorities and discuss your situation with them to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution.
