Jul 8, 2008 (DVB), A parent of a student studying at Basic Education High School (1) Dagon in Rangoon said the school is charging students 6000 kyat each on top of the 1 to 2 million-kyat school entrance fee.

The school told parents the additional fee is to cover various maintenance costs.

"Most of the students studying at Dagon (1) are from rich families but still there is a minority of students who do not have a lot of money," the parent said.

"Dagon 1 school is famous for its discipline and good teaching system, and a lot of parents also want their children study in the upper class community," he said.

The parent said some families would struggle to find the extra money.

"6000 kyat is not a lot of money for rich people but it’s a big deal for those who have already been hit by the rise in commodity prices," the parent explained.

"The headmaster said the money was collected for the school’s expenses but no receipt was given and only he can know where the money has really gone."

U Aung Ko Ko, the school’s headteacher, was unavailable for comment.

Reporting by Moe Aye