The Tamil Nadu State Information Commission has instructed the School Education Department to ensure that fee details of private and government-aided schools are publicly displayed on the respective school websites and at school entrances.
The order followed an RTI application filed in October 2022 by Liaqat Ali of Cheran Nagar in Coimbatore district, seeking information on fees fixed as per government guidelines for private matriculation schools. He alleged that officials failed to provide the information and kept transferring the request between departments.
After an appeal, the matter was heard by State Information Commissioner Ilamparithi. The Commission directed the Coimbatore District Chief Educational Officer to compile the complete information sought and provide it to the applicant within two weeks, free of cost, through speed post.
The Commission further said that all private, CBSE and government-aided schools in Tamil Nadu must print and publish the government-determined fee structure class-wise on entrance notice boards, school websites and admission application forms, without waiting for public requests.
All District Chief Educational Officers have been asked to verify compliance and submit a confirmed report to the Commission by June 15.
