Parents of Indian school raise concerns over fee hike

MUSCAT: Parents of the children studying in Indian School Muscat (ISM) met the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Indian Schools, and raised their concerns, including the fee hike, the high cost of textbooks and the drastic fall in quality of education in the schools.
In a circular dated March 11, 2026 to the parents, the school has increased the tuition fee for students from KG I to Std XII by RO 2 per month in view of the rise in the school's operational costs.
The parents submitted a memorandum that included seven grievances, including reviewing and rationalising the price of textbooks, as the price of textbooks is being increased unfairly every year. They quoted an example of a computer book, which is not even a core subject, being charged at RO 8.100.
Parents say that in the current geopolitical situation, it is unfair for ISM to increase fees while parents are financially worried.
Parents complain that the decision to open the school in the second week of July, when summer is at its peak, is harmful to the health of the students.
Parents also demanded a review of the extension of school hours, keeping in mind the welfare of the students.
The parents told the Observer that there should be a clarification by the BoD on the use of funds collected from students and parents for the Kerala floods, and on the infrastructure development fee collected for the renovation of the Jibroo School campus for four years.
When reached for comment, Sayed Salman, Chairman of the Board of Directors, confirmed to the Observer that the board has received a formal memorandum from the parents and will discuss it at the board meeting.
​“The board values the feedback provided by the parent community,” Salman stated. “While we understand the concerns regarding rising costs, it is important to note that the increase in textbook prices reflects broader market trends globally,' he added.