Jammu, Feb 9: The Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC), Jammu & Kashmir (UT), has issued a strict circular directing private schools not to charge transport fees from students during winter and summer vacations if transport facilities are outsourced or hired from third parties.
According to the circular issued by the FFRC, complaints were received alleging that certain private schools were charging transport fees during vacation periods despite not owning their transport facilities. The Committee noted that such schools outsource transport services under contractual arrangements and yet continue to collect transport fees from students, which is in violation of earlier orders.
The FFRC recalled its earlier order dated 30 June 2025, which had already barred private schools from collecting any transport fee during vacation periods if the transport service is outsourced or hired from third parties. The Committee reiterated that only those schools which own and operate their transport facilities are permitted to charge 50 per cent of the transport fee during vacations.
The circular clearly states that:
Schools owning transport facilities may charge 50% transport fee during vacations.
Schools outsourcing or hiring transport services under contractual agreements are strictly prohibited from charging any transport fee during winter or summer vacations.
The Committee further directed that if any private school has already collected transport fees in violation of this order, the amount must be refunded to parents immediately.
Warning of strict action, the FFRC said that non-compliance will invite action under law, including:
Imposition of a penalty of 1 per cent of the total revenue of the school, and
De-affiliation of the school.
The order has been signed by Justice Sunil Hali, Hon’ble Chairperson, FFRC, J&K (UT), and has been circulated to the School Education Department, concerned authorities, and for uploading on the official website for wider public information.
The FFRC has directed all private schools in Jammu and Kashmir to strictly comply with the order in letter and spirit.
