The Private School Teacher’s Union, Joint Action Front, has written to the state education secretary, opposing the directive issued by Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) mandating 18% GST on continuation fees payable by PSEB e-affiliated schools for 2024-25 academic session.
They added that imposition of GST on schools would add to the financial burden borne by educational institution and families of students.
In the letter to the state education secretary, union member opposed the directive issued by the Board last month. Union general secretary J P Bhatt said that before imposition of GST, schools were required to pay Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 8,000 for classes V and VII respectively and this year, additional GST would be imposed with the fees.
With nearly 1,000 schools in the district facing these costs, educators have requested repeal of the PSEB directive. “Elimination of such as imposition will not only provide much-need relief to education institutions but also alleviate financial burden on families,” he said.
Under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, educational services provided by educations institutions up to higher secondary level are treated as exempted services under Schedule III of the Act.
“Pre-school education and education up to higher secondary school or equivalent, educational services provided by educational institutions to students, faculty, and staff, related services like transportation of students, faculty and staff, along with catering services (such as mid-day meal schemes), cleaning and housekeeping, up to higher secondary school are also exempted from GST, said.
He added, “Fees for entrance examinations, issuance of eligibility certificates for admission, issuance of migration certificates to students (whether leaving or ex-students) are also exempted,” he said.
According to Bhatt, exemption from mandatory 18% GST, which has been imposed for the first time, will enhance educational accessibility and affordability, besides alleviating the financial strain on parents and students.
A top PSEB official said on condition of anonymity, “The Central government charges GST from us and the board has to seek GST from school authorities. Though we know that we are putting a burden on them, CBSE and other boards are fighting the case in court.”
Source: The Times of India
Share this content: