COIMBATORE: A group of parents, along with Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) members, petitioned the district administration on Wednesday against a playschool that failed to repay a Rs 1 lakh deposit to many parents.
A parent, on conditions of anonymity, told TNIE that he had admitted two children this academic year to the kindergarten section of this school. It can be noted that the school began operations in 2022 academic year in Peelamedu, city.
"During admission, the school administration said that as per school policy, parents should deposit Rs 1 lakh, and at the end of the academic year, the school would repay the deposit amount. Besides, parents paid Rs 8,500 as school fee for this academic year. The collected amounts from parents were allegedly invested in their other businesses," he said.
"Meanwhile, with the academic year ending in ten days, parents inquired about their deposits. The school management said it was unable to repay the amount now and that it would be refunded in two months. Parents have faced the same problem at Vadavalli branch. As the administration failed to repay, around 30 parents were affected. Hence, we complained to the district administration seeking action against the school management," he added. He said that around 80 children are studying at two branches in Coimbatore.
DYFI functionary M Dinesh Raja told TNIE that the school has no right to collect amounts from parents in the name of donations, deposits, or other guises that violate the government order and urged the school education department to inquire into the matter.
When contacted, the school principal said she would speak with the management regarding this. She also said that they did not collect deposit amount from parents.
An educational officer in Coimbatore told TNIE that he would check whether it was an approved or unapproved school and that an inquiry will be initiated.