90% school fees hike 'due to relocation cost'

Posted by: Mindscape Saturday, 7 February 2009 9:30 AM[UAE] - India

Susil i dont think you have been reading the papers or listening to the radio, there were 900 of the parents in front of the school protesting the fee hike. I agree that GEMS will not close down, if we see irregularities we need to protest and most of us Indians just take it as it comes and let shrewd businessmen take us for ride. I know how astute Mr Varkey is, he promises millions of dirhams for a worthy cause and the next day i had my kids bring wads of those charity tickets home for me to pay. Where is the justice.

Posted by: Dan Friday, 6 February 2009 9:06 PM[UAE] - Sweden

Obviously you don?t get the point. Just because some people can afford it does not mean they like to get robbed. You mean to if people have money and can afford it they should accept any price. Are you crazy? Next time you can pay 50 Dirham for a coke in the supermarket. What don?t like it? But you can afford it, you have a nice car. You should not bother yourself by the actual price of the coke. Or that 50 Dirham is a crazy price. If you understand economy you would understand there is a point when customers won?t pay anymore. And yes, the school will close.

Posted by: M.B.SUSIL Friday, 6 February 2009 5:02 PM[UAE] - INDIA

GEMS is very much under its right to increase the fees as they are not a charity organisation and they are not being run to serve a social cause. Moreover, those who have their families here are not the low income labourers but high income group paying exhorbitant rents and driving top of the range cars . And I am sure inspite of the high fees the school is not going to close the next academic session because of exodus of students .It will the same scenario of long lines and interviews/tests for children to get admission .The parents will still send their children to the same school because they can afford and Mr Varkey being as astute buissinessman knows that for sure .

Posted by: Divya Arora Thursday, 5 February 2009 6:20 PM[UAE] - UAS

The 90% fee hike comes at a time of global recession when there are job loses,salary cuts etc..Overall a very uncertain n insecure times.GEMS should be considerate enough to take all these factors into account before deciding on the fee hike that also of such magnitude.The management also played very smart in annoucing the fee hike when the admissions to other schools are closed leaving no choice to the poor parents.Greed should have some limit Mr. Varkey.

Posted by: Kevin L. Wednesday, 4 February 2009 8:37 PM[UAE] - UAE

All this commotion is surprising actually because these same parents will spend thousands without any qualms to have a luxurious lifestyle; however, they will raise a hue and cry if fees and charges are increased here and there. Hey, you can't afford to educate your children in the best of schools then send them back home and please stop all this childish and nauseating whining and whimpering. Just pack and go with your dignities and self respect intact instead of all this endless drama.