Siliguri, 02nd January: Parents staged a protest outside Hakimpara Balika Vidyalaya in Siliguri on Friday against the hike in school fees. According to the parents, this year an amount of ₹500 is being charged per student during admission, whereas the prescribed fee is only ₹240.
Parents claimed they were not informed in advance about the additional charges. Frustrated over the issue, they raised a ruckus outside the school on Friday. Members of AIDSO also joined the protest, raising slogans against the fee hike.
Upon receiving information, Siliguri police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Following this, the headmistress of the school met some parents and assured them that the matter would be discussed with the school management committee.
Parents also alleged that extra fees were collected last year as well. Despite the additional collection, several basic issues remain unresolved in the school. Clean toilets and proper fans are not available for the students, forcing them to study under inconvenient conditions.