May 1: The parents of Vissanji Academy school in Andheri have formed a union to protest the ``unjust'' fee hike, which the parents claim has now become a regular feature. The school management, however, has refused to acknowledge the union.

On Thursday it was quite a sight outside the school which boasts of students from affluent backgrounds. Parents alighted from their Marutis, Cielos and Esteems and demonstrated under the mid-day sun. ``The question is not whether we can afford the fee but whether it is justified,'' said an agitated parent.

Till last year the fee for standards I to IV was Rs 4,450. But now this has been increased to Rs 8,055 for students of classes I to IV and for classes II to IV Rs 7,730. This March, there was further increase of Rs 1,750 for those in the secondary section. When the parents queried the management they were told the hikes were due to new activity classes, but parents maintain the classes are far from unique.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.