Delhi govt okays landmark Bill to regulate school fee hikes amid rising protests by parents
PTC Web Desk: In a major move aimed at addressing long-standing concerns of parents, the Delhi Cabinet has approved the draft of the Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill, 2025. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the decision on Tuesday, describing it as a "bold and historic" step towards bringing transparency and fairness to fee structures in both private and government-run schools in the capital.
Speaking at a press conference, Rekha Gupta said the Bill was introduced in response to growing anxiety among parents and reported harassment of students due to arbitrary fee hikes. She alleged that previous governments had failed to establish mechanisms to control or monitor school fee increases, leaving families vulnerable to unregulated financial demands from private educational institutions.
"There were no guidelines to stop fee hikes by private schools. This Bill fills that gap," Rekha Gupta was quoted as saying.
The approval follows weeks of intense protests across Delhi. Distressed by steep and unregulated fee hikes, many parents gathered outside the Directorate of Education (DoE) office, demanding immediate intervention. In reaction to these demonstrations, the DoE, on April 16, announced strict measures against unaided private schools found guilty of illegal fee increases. These actions include proceedings for de-recognition and even the potential takeover of school managements.
The Delhi CM said a three-tier committee system would be established to oversee and regulate school fee hikes. The Bill included 18 provisions that would guide the review and implementation process. It proposes that fee hikes occur only once every three years, and any school violating the policy may face takeover by the government.
She said the regulation process would include participation from parents, school management, and teachers, ensuring transparency and accountability. "The Bill will be tabled and passed soon," she added.
- With inputs from agencies
