ISLAMABAD – Exorbitant hike in tuition fees and annual charges by private schools in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad is haunting the parents.   Most of the private schools have become money minting machines and charging extra fee in absence of any regulatory framework to keep check on their fee structures. A mother said “I got admitted one of my children in leading private school and others are compelled to study in average institutions being unable to bear their educational expenses”.Majority of private schools are charging fee in thousands of rupees which is only affordable for the elite class. Another mother said “My child is studying in fourth class at Beaconhouse School System and paying huge amount which is not affordable for a vast majority of people.The school management also increases Rs 1,000 every year, making it difficult to continue my child education in this school, she said. A father of a child said the private schools extract funds for several occasions, which is difficult to manage for the people who hardly bear the fee expenses.The difference between the quality of education and expenses in different private schools create a sense of deprivation among those students who cannot afford to study in better school, he added. He said the public schools are providing good education but lack capacity to enrol more children.The Islamabad Capital Territory, Private Educational Institutions (Regulation and Promotion) Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) is responsible for registration, regulation and promotion of the privately-managed educational institutions.Talking to APP, Chairman PEIRA, Atif Mehmood Kiyani said the PEIRA bill has been approved from both houses of the parliament and the authority will devise strategies to control and maintain fee structures of the private schools according to the quality of services.Meanwhile, a colourful annual prize distribution ceremony of Pegasus School International was held here. A large number of students, their parents, army officers, ladies, teachers were present on the occasion. Principal of the school, Shireen graced the occasion as worthy guest. Then students presented tableau, which was highly appreciated by the audience. Then group of students presented National Song on the occasion. Spectators appreciated the presentation of students. Speaking on the occasion, Principal, Shireen advised the students to continue their efforts to achieve their goals. She said that education is vital adding that no nation can progress without education. She also advised the students to equip themselves with the latest knowledge which is need of the hour. Later, she distributed prizes among the students who got position.