Over 600 Schools Inspected in Delhi Amid Complaints Of Unjustified Fee Increases

The Delhi government has increased inspections of private schools accused of arbitrary fee increases in response to mounting parent complaints. After more than 600 schools in the capital were examined, almost ten of them were given show-cause notes for not providing adequate justification for their tuition increases.

District-level committees were established to conduct these inspections, according to the Directorate of Education (DoE). A Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) is in charge of each committee, which also consists of government school principals, accounts officers, and deputy directors of education. Private unaided schools were the main focus of the investigation, particularly those that were notably mentioned in public grievances.

The schools found guilty of unjustified fee hikes-especially those increasing fees for profit-making purposes-have been issued notices under Section 24(3) of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules (DSEAR), 1973. In more serious cases, the government is considering stronger measures such as withdrawing the school's recognition or taking over its management.

The inspections have also shown that some schools failed to present legally required papers, including full fee statements and audited financial reports, infringing Sections 17(3) and 180(3) of DSEAR. Legal processes are being begun against these institutions, the DoE said.

During its checks, the department discovered cases of "dummy admissions". Twenty schools received warnings for allegedly registering pupils merely in name, without providing any actual education or attendance. DSEAR restrictions are also being applied to these institutions.

Officials assessed adherence to the 2009 Right to Education (RTE) Act. Children from economically disadvantaged groups and economically weaker sectors must receive free textbooks, uniforms, and writing supplies from schools in accordance with Rule 8 of the Delhi RTE Rules, 2011. Schools that violate these requirements risk sanctions under the DSEAR and the RTE Act.

The DoE emphasized that all private schools must act transparently and follow proper legal channels when adjusting their fee structures.