Rekha Gupta’s Government Acts Against Rising School Fees in Delhi
Amid mounting complaints from parents about unregulated school fee hikes, the Delhi government under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has taken a historic step. The cabinet has passed a draft bill aimed at bringing transparency and fairness to how private schools in the capital set their fee structures.
Education Minister Ashish Sood addressed a press conference today, announcing a new framework that not only protects the rights of parents but also places strict accountability on schools.
New Bill Aims to Regulate Fee Increases
Ashish Sood emphasized that the bill introduces a three-tier fee regulation system, replacing the earlier structure where schools merely needed to notify authorities before hiking fees. Now, no fee increment will be allowed without committee approval at the school, district, and state levels.
Key Highlights of the New Bill:
Formation of a School-Level Fee Regulation Committee
Each school will form a committee chaired by the school management’s chairperson and the principal acting as secretary. It will include:Three teachers
Five parents selected by a draw from the PTA (Parent Teacher Association)
One nominee from the Directorate of Education acting as an observer
Fee Increase Based on 18 Parameters
The committee will evaluate 18 critical aspects including school infrastructure, library quality, staff salaries, and educational resources before recommending a fee hike.Decision Timeline
Committees must submit their fee review report by July 31, and are given 30 days to do so. If unresolved, appeals can move to the District Level Committee, and finally to the State Level Committee.
Heavy Penalties for Non-Compliance
To ensure compliance, the government has laid down strict penalties for schools that attempt to bypass these rules:
₹1 Lakh to ₹10 Lakh Fine
If any school increases fees without the committee’s approval, it will be fined between ₹1 lakh and ₹10 lakh. In extreme cases, the government holds the right to take over the school’s administration.₹50,000 Fine for Harassing Students
In one concerning incident, a student who couldn’t pay the increased fee was reportedly kept out of class and made to sit in the library. Under the new bill, if such a complaint is verified, the school will be fined ₹50,000 per affected child.If the issue is not resolved within 20 days, the fine will double. Another 20-day delay will triple the fine, and continued non-compliance could lead to government takeover of the school.
A Human-Centric Approach to Education
This legislation is more than just policy—it’s a lifeline for thousands of families in Delhi who struggle to keep up with unpredictable school expenses. With inflation rising and education already a significant financial burden, this move aims to ensure that education remains a right, not a luxury.
Minister Ashish Sood stated, “This bill is about justice for parents. Schools cannot act like private enterprises with no checks. We are putting children and parents first.”
Voices from the Community
Parents across Delhi have welcomed the decision:
“I’m relieved. Every year we dread the fee circular. Now we feel like we finally have a say,” said Neha Sharma, a mother of two.
“This bill gives us dignity and power. Our voices matter now,” echoed Rajeev Batra, a PTA member from South Delhi.
What Happens Next?
The bill, now passed by the Delhi cabinet, will be introduced in the Delhi Assembly for final approval. If enacted into law, the fee committees must be established by July 31, 2025, ahead of the next academic year.
