In a press statement yesterday, the ministry stressed that auxiliary contributions were not mandatory and that no student should be excluded for non-payment of such fees.

The ministry also made it clear that it does not support the charging of exorbitant fees for registration packages.

"Fees such as those for identification cards, insurance, uniform and other related items should be passed on at a cost from the providers to the parents, but must be clearly stated and identified," the ministry said.

"Where auxiliary contributions are for special development projects, these must be clearly identified and not included in registration fees."