Thursday, Feb 26, 2009
Gulf News
Dubai: The row over 90 per cent fee hike by Dubai Modern High School on Thursday gatehred when parents submitted blank and partially-filled concession forms to the school.
Livid parents who gathered at the school premises said that they were just appalled by some of the details that they were required to fill out and the legal disclaimer which reads: "that the submission of an application does not mean that assistance can be or will be provided. Limited funds are available. Hardship will be assessed by the committee in its absolute discretion&"
These forms that are also referred to as Data Capture Form seeks information from parents on the place of their employment - their manager's name, primary bank name, time period employed, whether they are provided housing by their company.
The form also seeks to know loan details - loan type, balance remaining, monthly payment and bank name - and monthly details - rent, car fuel and maintenance, food, clothing, utilities, entertainment, travel, insurance and miscellaneous.
The attachment copies that should accompany the concession forms are - current dated salary certificate of the head of household, current dated salary certificate (if applicable), six-month utility bills, three-month bank statement (originals from bank), copies of passport and visa, employment contracts (head of household and spouse), student's most recent examination results and tenancy contracts.
The parents were given these forms on February 19 to apply for fee concessions by the Global Education Management System (GEMS) under which the school is managed.
Today is the last date for the submission of the forms for fee concessions.
There are about 2,300 pupils who attend the school which caters to the Indian Council for Secondary Education (ICSE).
GEMS announced the fee hike in January on the grounds that the school will be moving from the current location in Jumeirah to its new location in Nad Al Sheba in the new academic year in April.
A spokesperson from GEMS Education said: "As part of the means tested student benefit programme that has been introduced at Dubai Modern High School we have requested parents, who are concerned by the proposed fees structure in the new premises of the school, to furnish some information, including salary details.
"This is to evaluate the various applications received and select the most deserving cases. The details asked are standard procedures in income-expenditure assessment. It is to ensure a fair distribution of resources. Similar forms are used by institutions around the world to assess financial aid requirements. GEMS reiterate that all information provided will be maintained as strictly confidential."
Expressing their discomfort on details that they were required to fill out for a fee concession parents said they felt humiliated.
"It is humiliating. If I was aware that I will be asked all these details, I would have not even picked up the concession form. This feels as if GEMS is obliging us by providing us with fee concession forms. GEMS are the one's who put in this trouble. They are making it more difficult for us to avail a fee concession by asking as to give details on all the possible expenses that we are doing. As parents we expected GEMS to handle the matter differently," said a parent.
Echoing similar sentiments another parent said: "I was shocked. Even the banks do not ask us to fill in so many details if we apply for a loan. I am just speechless."
Another parent said he has no problem in filling out the details. "I am going to fill in all the details are required from me on the fee concession forms. Why should I shy away from it?"
Gulf News 2009. All rights reserved.
