Indian school faces claims of mismanagement amidst fee dispute; chairman calls out vested interests

TDT | Manama

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At a time when the Indian School, Bahrain is struggling to recover nearly BD700,000 in unpaid fees from parents, the United Parents Panel (UPP), the main opposition to the Progressive Parents Alliance-led executive committee, has accused the school’s executive committee of using the issue as a pretext to mask its own governance failures.

The UPP criticized the committee’s claim that the school’s operation is threatened due to outstanding fees, calling it “strange and irresponsible.” In a press conference, UPP leaders argued that it is absurd for the school to claim it cannot function properly because of unpaid dues.

According to UPP, the current governing body, which oversees the education of more than 12,500 students, is not acting independently but is instead being controlled by external “backseat drivers,” allegedly stifling the institution’s performance.

“The Indian school should not be a puppet, controlled by hidden powers that are jeopardizing the education of thousands of students,” said a UPP representative.

In response to the ongoing criticism, Indian School Chairman Binu Mannil Varughese has called out what he describes as “vested interests” attempting to harm the institution. Speaking in an urgent press release, Varughese stated, “Every time the school sends a circular to parents asking them to pay fee arrears, it has never been disputed by anyone who genuinely wishes to see the school thrive.

However, the opposition groups have not only turned this circular into a controversy but have also escalated the matter by lodging complaints with the ministry.” According to Varughese, these opposition groups have falsely promised to waive fees if they come to power, leading some parents to withhold payments. “Many parents who believed in these promises have now accrued significant liabilities, putting themselves and the school at risk,” he added.

Financial Crisis and Opposition Interference 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.

“The opposition’s actions have not only harmed the school’s financial stability but have also disrupted the ability of small organizations in Bahrain to hold events at the school’s auditorium, which was another source of income,” Varughese said.