Despite annual inspections, why does excessive fee collection continue to occur?

REVIEW THE REGULATIONS AGAIN

When responding to a reporter from Thanh Nien newspaper regarding the inspection, supervision, and rectification of excessive fees in schools, the Chief Inspector of the Ministry of Education and Training, Nguyen Duc Cuong, cited documents clearly outlining the responsibilities of localities and educational institutions in carrying out focused and targeted inspections and audits. One of these contents is: "The implementation of non-budgetary revenue and expenditure; voluntary contributions and support in cash, in kind, or non-material form from non-state budget sources by agencies, organizations, and individuals inside and outside the country." The Inspectorate of the Department of Education and Training is responsible for proactively advising, organizing inspections and audits, and handling violations (if any) according to regulations.

The story of the teacher "requesting assistance with a laptop" is one of the incidents that has caused a stir in public opinion in recent days.

At the beginning of this school year, the Ministry of Education and Training also issued a document requesting: "Strengthening inspection, examination, supervision and accountability to students and society regarding the fees and charges of educational institutions; absolutely preventing the occurrence of 'excessive fees' at the beginning of the school year…".

Circular 55, issued by the Ministry of Education and Training, stipulates the regulations for parent-teacher associations and clearly states the amounts that students are not allowed to donate.

Educational institutions wishing to organize fundraising and social mobilization campaigns must comply with the regulations in Circular 16 issued in 2018 by the Ministry of Education and Training, which stipulates the sponsorship of educational institutions within the national education system.

The teacher requested a laptop: "I know I was wrong because I didn't fully understand the circular on the socialization of education."

There is no shortage of inspection and monitoring documents and plans, yet excessive fees continue to occur every year, causing more public outrage than the previous year. Does the Ministry of Education and Training feel the need to reassess the feasibility and effectiveness of these directives?

WHEN THERE IS STRICT JUSTICE ABOVE, THERE WILL BE NO CHAOS BELOW.

From a legal perspective, in response to a reporter from Thanh Nien newspaper, lawyer Le Trung Phat, Director of Le Trung Phat Law Firm (Ho Chi Minh City), stated that the key cause and solution to the problem of excessive fees and improper spending at the beginning of the school year lies in the thorough implementation by each school, specifically the role of the principal and the school's Party branch secretary. If the principal is strict and impartial, those below will certainly comply.

"In principle, the principal should be the first to be informed of all legal documents in the field of education. The principal must be strict, consistent, and regular in issuing directives to their subordinates, providing guidance throughout each classroom," said lawyer Le Trung Phat.

According to lawyer Le Trung Phat, the principal must be responsible for inspection and supervision to improve efficiency. When errors occur, the principal – as a state official – will be subject to sanctions according to the Law on Public Officials and related regulations; in terms of the Party, the principal will also be evaluated, reviewed, and disciplined according to regulations.

Every year at the beginning of the school year, there's a huge uproar over school fees and expenditures, causing a public outcry.

IF THERE ARE INTENTIONAL VIOLATIONS, THEY MUST BE PUNISHED SEVERELY.

According to Le Trung Phat, Director of the Law Firm, strict enforcement is necessary from the management level and unit heads, because education is a sensitive environment with a large number of students. Even a small spark can ignite into a large fire with a very strong impact on society. Therefore, according to lawyer Le Trung Phat, cases of excessive fees and improper spending are isolated incidents, "a few bad apples spoiling the bunch," but they need to be dealt with decisively to prevent the same old problems from recurring every school year.

In a recent interview with Thanh Nien newspaper, educator Nguyen Van Ngai, former Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, affirmed that in this matter, the greatest role and responsibility lies with the head of the unit - the school principal.

According to Mr. Ngai, as the head of the school, the principal must be exemplary, set a good example, and be responsible for understanding the documents, regulations, and directives from higher authorities in order to implement them in their school. During the implementation process, if the principal finds anything inappropriate or in need of adjustment, they should report it to the higher authority; however, while awaiting guidance, the principal must still comply with the current laws and regulations.

Mr. Ngai also proposed that regular and unscheduled inspections by the Departments of Education and Training during the school year should be effective; any cases of deliberate violations leading to excessive fees should be dealt with severely and publicly throughout the sector to serve as a deterrent.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nam-nao-cung-thanh-tra-sao-van-tai-dien-lam-thu-185241001230629691.htm