Allegations of soliciting large sums of money for the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in government and aided schools have emerged in Thiruvananthapuram, within close proximity to the education department minister. Parents are reportedly being pressured to pay significant amounts during the Plus One admission process. Financially struggling parents and some teachers have expressed their concerns and questioned this practice.
Despite the government's guidelines capping the fee at Rs.500, divided into a Rs.100 PTA membership fee and Rs.400 for the fund, schools, including those near the Secretariat, have been reported to demand money from parents of students who secured merit seats. Instances have shown PTA funds reaching up to Rs.10,000 being requested, with PTA officials stationed at tables for collections, in defiance of government directives against their involvement in the admission process.
Principals and Headmasters in many government schools are allegedly complying with the demands of PTA officials. The education department's regulations stipulate a Plus One admission fee of less than Rs.800, along with an extra Rs.100 for membership and Rs.400 for the fund. This contrasts sharply with the excessive amounts being demanded. Parents have reported facing humiliation if they decline to pay the requested sums by the PTA.