Cautions against exorbitant transfer certificate fees
The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) expressed deep concern over the delayed distribution of essential materials, specifically notebooks and uniforms, to government schools within its jurisdiction.
Pointing out that the delay was severely impacting the academic progress of students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, DNSU in a press release urgently appealed to the department concerned and contractors to expedite the release of notebooks and uniforms to the government schools.
The union requested the government immediate release of supplies, prioritising immediate delivery of all pending notebooks and uniforms to the respective schools.
It also called for conducting a thorough investigation into the causes of the delay, besides identifying and taking strict action against erring suppliers or contractors responsible for the disruption.
Calling for ensuring transparency in the distribution process and holding those accountable for any further delays, the union urged the department to implement measures to prevent such delays in the future, ensuring timely delivery of supplies for subsequent academic years.
Highlighting the importance of timely delivery of these supplies for smooth functioning of the academic year, the DNSU pointed out that persistent delays not only disrupted the learning process but also undermined the fundamental right to education. Furthermore, the student body appealed educational institutions to immediately cease the practice of charging exorbitant fees for transfer certificates.
Calling for adhering strictly to the provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, the DNSU demanded that transfer certificates be issued without imposing undue financial burdens.It also appealed for implementing a transparent fee structure for all administrative procedures, ensuring fairness and accessibility.
Revealing that it had received numerous complaints regarding educational institutions charging exorbitant fees for the issuance of transfer certificates, the union maintained that this practice was a clear violation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
The union said under the RTE Act, specifically sections concerning the right to free and compulsory education, charging exorbitant fees for transfer certificates created an unnecessary financial burden on students and their families, hindering their access to continued education.
Reiterating that it remained committed to ensuring that all students in Dimapur had access to quality education, the DNSU urged the department concerned, contractors, and educational institutions to take immediate and decisive action to address these pressing issues. Declaring that it was prepared to extend full cooperation in resolving these matters, the union said it expected a prompt response and concrete actions to be taken.