The Indian School in Bahrain is currently facing a financial crisis due to nearly BD700,000 in unpaid fees from parents. In response to this issue, the United Parents Panel (UPP) has accused the school’s executive committee of using the outstanding fees as a pretext to mask its own governance failures. The UPP criticized the committee for claiming that the school’s operation is threatened by the unpaid dues, calling it “strange and irresponsible.” The committee is also accused of being controlled by external “backseat drivers” and not acting independently, which UPP claims is stifling the institution’s performance.
The UPP believes that the Indian school should not be controlled by hidden powers that are jeopardizing the education of thousands of students. They argue that it is absurd for the school to claim it cannot function properly due to unpaid dues. The UPP leaders have raised concerns about the current governing body, which oversees the education of over 12,500 students, and have accused them of not acting independently. These accusations have sparked a controversy within the school community and have led to a divide between the UPP and the Progressive Parents Alliance-led executive committee.
Indian School Chairman Binu Mannil Varughese has responded to the criticisms from the UPP, accusing them of having “vested interests” in harming the institution. He stated that every time the school sends a circular to parents asking for fee arrears to be paid, it has never been disputed by anyone who genuinely wants to see the school thrive. Varughese claims that the opposition groups have falsely promised to waive fees if they come into power, leading some parents to withhold payments. This has resulted in significant liabilities for both the parents and the school, putting them at risk.
Varughese highlighted that the school’s financial issues are typically resolved through income generated by its annual school fair, which is supported by benefactors. The proceeds from these events are used to assist students in financial need and staff members, including teachers suffering from serious illnesses. However, due to what he described as “irresponsible complaints” filed with various ministries by opposition groups, the school has been unable to hold the fair for the past two years. This has not only harmed the school’s financial stability but has also disrupted the ability of small organizations in Bahrain to hold events at the school’s auditorium, which was another source of income.
In conclusion, the Indian School in Bahrain is currently facing a challenging financial situation due to unpaid fees from parents. The UPP has accused the school’s executive committee of using the outstanding fees as a pretext to mask its own governance failures and of being controlled by external “backseat drivers.” The divide between the UPP and the Progressive Parents Alliance-led executive committee has led to a controversy within the school community, with accusations and counter-accusations being made. Indian School Chairman Binu Mannil Varughese has responded to the criticisms, accusing the opposition groups of having “vested interests” in harming the institution and causing financial harm. The ongoing dispute between the different factions within the school community has disrupted the school’s financial stability and ability to hold events that generate income, further exacerbating the financial crisis.
