Delhi Private Schools Fee Hike: Rekha Gupta Govt Orders Action Against Institutions Illegally Raising Fees

The Delhi government has initiated a stringent campaign against the unauthorized and steep fee increments by private, unaided schools, addressing the longstanding grievances voiced by parents and guardians. The Directorate of Education (DoE) highlighted that for several years, these private institutions have been escalating fees, imposing a substantial financial strain on families, especially those from low and middle-income brackets. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to curbing these unwarranted fee hikes.

The scrutiny intensified in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, during which private schools reportedly increased their fees annually by a staggering 25 to 30 percent. This period of escalated fee increments coincided with the AAP government's tenure, as noted by the current BJP-led Delhi government. Over the past five to eight years, numerous complaints have surfaced from parents indicating that schools denied admission letters to students over unpaid fees, prompting government action.

A comprehensive probe into the illegal fee raises by private schools has been launched by the DoE. Surprise inspections by high-level teams spearheaded by district magistrates are part of this crackdown. A notable instance is the inspection of DPS Dwarka, conducted on a Friday following a complaint. These measures illustrate the government's firm stance against schools flouting fee regulations.

Moreover, the government is enforcing rigorous actions against schools failing to comply with the regulations. These actions include revoking the school's recognition and potentially bringing the management under governmental oversight. Special audit teams are tasked with scrutinizing the financial accounts of these schools, further tightening the oversight.

In an effort to make the admission process more accessible to economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups, the DoE has designated a nodal officer. This officer's role is pivotal in addressing challenges related to the provision of books and uniforms for students from these groups. Schools have also been directed to ensure that parents are not compelled to purchase books and uniforms from specific vendors and to limit changes in uniform designs to once every three years.

The legality of fee charges by private schools in Delhi falls under the jurisdiction of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules, 1973. Past verdicts by courts in Delhi have mandated the DoE to ensure that fee increments by recognized private schools are neither arbitrary nor unlawful.

The DoE is adamant about delivering equitable and quality education to all students, as demonstrated by the increased budget allocation of approximately Rs 2,000 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26.