The Ministry of Education has started a probe at the Chisinau-based “Mircea Eliade” Lyceum following reports from parents that the institution has been collecting fees for its so-called school fund.

The Ministry says in a press release that it praises the civic-minded parents and encourages them to get involved in the activity of schools to ensure transparency and deter collection of illegal fees.

The Ministry reiterates that parents may not be forced to pay any fees to public education institutions, and the involvement of school managers in collecting and administering donations originating from sources other than budgetary ones is forbidden.

Earlier this week, a number of parents complained on social networking sites that they are requested to pay a 3,100 lei enrollment fee. The request was reportedly issued by the Mircea Eliade Foundation, which replaced the lyceum's parents association. The National Anti-corruption Center also promised to investigate.