Student Faces Financial Crisis, School Denies Admission Fee Refund
Bhubaneswar: In a disheartening incident, a Class 11 th science student, Aashika Devangshee, enrolled at Sai International School, Info City, Bhubaneswar, has been left in distress after her father, Mr. Shivasis Dev, faced severe financial difficulties and applied for the cancellation of her admission. Despite the family’s request for a refund of the ₹85,000 admission fee, the school administration has reportedly refused, citing a clause in the admission policy that states the fees are non-refundable.Sai International School is taking admission into standard 11 th of students who are yet to appear their 10 th board exams in the month of January itself and that too convincing parents to pay ₹85000 out of which ₹80000 is admission fees and ₹5000 is caution money.They are also offering scholarship up to 75% of the tution fees based on the student’s performance in their board exams.
Aashika, who was recently admitted under admission number 13521, had high hopes for her academic journey in the prestigious institution. However, due to unforeseen financial constraints faced by her father, the family was forced to take the difficult decision of withdrawing her admission. In response, they appealed to the school for a refund to ease their financial burden.
The refusal has sparked concerns over the rigidity of school policies, with many questioning the lack of flexibility in addressing genuine financial hardships faced by families. “It is unfortunate that an institution that claims to focus on holistic development and empathy is unwilling to show compassion in such situations,” said a concerned parent.
Educational experts argue that schools should reconsider rigid clauses in admission policies, especially when dealing with genuine cases of financial crises. Such policies, while legally binding, often fail to address the ethical and humanitarian aspects of education.
The family has appealed to the school administration to reconsider their decision and provide relief. Meanwhile, local activists and parents’ groups have begun discussions about raising awareness of such issues and ensuring fair treatment for students and their families during crisis.
This incident highlights the urgent need for educational institutions to adopt more compassionate and student-centric policies, ensuring that education remains a tool for empowerment, not distress.
Shivasis Dev
Father
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