Parents protest fee hike at Hyderabad Public School Ramanthapur

Hundreds of parents protested at Hyderabad Public School, Ramanthapur, demanding rollback of fee hike and a fee freeze. They alleged decline in standards, lack of transparency, and threatened to withhold fees until management addressed their concerns

Hyderabad: Demanding immediate rollback of the fee hike, hundreds of parents staged a massive protest at the Hyderabad Public School (HPS), Ramanthapur, on Friday. Slogans like ‘roll back fee hike’, ‘we want justice’ and ‘save HPS’ rent the air as parents staged the protest at the school’s front gate.

The issue, as per the protesting parents, stemmed from the school’s decision to enhance the fee by 141 per cent over the last four years. Statistics released by the Parents’ Core Committee show that annual fees for a single student have increased from approximately Rs 83,630 in 2021 to over Rs 2,01,628 in 2025.

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Parent representatives from the HPS Begumpet too joined the Ramanthapur protest in solidarity. Together, both branches have resolved to withhold all first-term fee payments until the management provides a written assurance of zero per cent fee increase. Protesters argued that the massive increases have already overfunded the school’s operational needs and demanded a comprehensive fee freeze for the next five years.

Beyond the financial burden, parents highlighted a severe decline in institutional standards. They alleged deterioration in food services and sports infrastructure, which they claim has become a “showpiece” rather than a facility for students. They also alleged that the management has failed to constitute a legally mandated, elected Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or share audited accounts to justify the 141 per cent surge in funds.

Noting that the principal has held the position for 14 years and continues to serve on an extension despite having reached retirement age, parents demanded immediate dismissal of the principal.

“We have been dragged through a year of meaningless negotiations while our children’s future is used as leverage. We are the primary stakeholders and financiers of this institution. We will not pay another rupee until we see financial transparency, a legitimate PTA, and a change in leadership that respects the HPS brand,” parents said.

The parents threatened to intensify the protest if their demands were not resolved immediately.