Nagpur: Starting January 1, all CBSE affiliated schools will have to start collecting fee in cashless mode, according to a directive from the central board. A very short and curt letter from board secretary Joseph Emmanuel to principals made it clear there isn’t going to be any wriggle room for schools.
Emmanuel wrote, “with a view to reduce cash transactions at school, all CBSE affiliated schools shall introduce fee collection from students only online or through non-cash mode from the next quarter commencing from January 2017 onwards.” While the letter does not mention it at all, it is obvious this step is in line with government’s demonetisation decision.For schools, it is a welcome move because it would not hamper their workflow much. Radhika Rajwade, director of Centre Point School, said, “It’s a fantastic move and we are fully prepared to handle the shift to non-cash mode of payments. While the option to pay through other means has always been available, many parents prefer to deposit fee in cash. In India, cash transaction is a way of life so it will take some time for people to change. Thankfully, with CBSE moving in this direction it will make it easier for us to implement it.” Rajwade’s group offers parents facility of direct EMI style ECS deductions from bank accounts as well, putting an end not only to long lines but also to remembering the due dates.
Anmol Badjate, principal of Jain International School, said, “This decision will greatly increase the ease and clarity of handling finances of schools along with providing a big support to demonetisation move of government. First, the workload of our accounts department will decrease. Second, now there won’t be any confusion about lost deposit receipts etc as transactions will move through digital routes.” As of now every school offers non-cash method of fee payment, especially since the November 8 announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.CBSE avoided using demonetisation word and instead focused on the advantages of digital money. Emmanuel wrote, “the benefits of cashless transactions are enormous and the CBSE has introduced e-payment facilities for collection of fee for examination, affiliation and various activities including payments to its examination functionaries. The Board has been directing its affiliated schools to disburse salary to staff through bank transfers.”
The board is extending the ambit of cashless mode to areas beyond fee payment. CBSE’s letter goes on to say, “schools should also make all payments for availing various services, procurements, wages to contractual workers and other transactions etc in non-cash mode. Further, schools may interact with the parents during the Parent Teachers Meeting to spread awareness about the benefits of non-cash transactions.”
[Source:-TOI]
