Board exams get expensive

Updated on: Thursday, December 16, 2010

The government on Wednesday justified a steep hike in the SSC and HSC board exam and enrolment fees. State minister Rajendra Darda informed the legislative council in a written reply that the fees had not been hiked since 1993 and it was necessary to do so in view of escalating costs of other commodities.

Minister of state Fauzia Khan replying in the House said that fee hike was carried out as per the August 9 circular. School enrollment fees have been increased from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000, while the exam form fee was increased to Rs 300 from Rs 225 for SSC students and Rs 325 from Rs 245 for the HSC students. The fee hike will be applicable from February-March 2011.

Earlier, many members of the legislative council expressed their concern over such a steep hike in fees on the grounds that students from poor families will find it extremely difficult to meet the cost. They also stated that those studying in night schools will be affected and demanded a rollback. They have also recommended that students from poorer sections of society and night schools be granted an exemption.

Nagpur division chairman of the state board Chandramani Borkar said, “The expenditure of setting papers, transportation, checking the papers and stationary have to be paid from the fees that the board receives from students. The board was finding it difficult to do so under the old rates."

Rizwan Malik, a student, said that the hike would disrupt his family’s monthly budget. “I have already paid so much money, why should I pay more This sudden increase is somewhat unfair. If they had to increase the fees, they should have done gradually over a period of time.”

Board exams get expensive

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