The Delhi government has launched a strong crackdown on the irregular and exorbitant fee hikes by private unaided schools across the capital. In response to growing complaints from parents and guardians—particularly from middle- and lower-income groups—the Directorate of Education (DoE) has introduced stringent measures to protect families from undue financial pressure.
Why the Crackdown Was Necessary
The issue of excessive fee hikes became especially critical in the post-Covid period, with annual fee increases reportedly ranging from 25% to 30% in several private schools. Parents have alleged not only unjustified hikes but also coercive tactics such as withholding admit cards or threatening to expel students for non-payment of unauthorized fees.
According to the DoE, this issue is both “chronic and deeply distressing” and has required urgent and decisive action from the government.
Key Steps Taken by the Delhi Government
1. High-Level Inspections
Inspection teams, including those led by District Magistrates, are now actively investigating complaints related to fee hikes. In one case, a school was thoroughly inspected following complaints from concerned parents.
2. Legal Warnings and Enforcement
The DoE has warned that schools found violating fee regulations under the Delhi School Education Act and Rules, 1973 will face serious consequences, including:
- Suspension or cancellation of school recognition
- Takeover of management in non-compliant institutions
3. Financial Audits
Specialized audits are being carried out on schools accused of unjustified fee hikes. Senior accounting officers have been deployed to examine financial records to ensure transparency and accountability.
4. Safeguarding Student Rights
Special provisions have been put in place to protect students from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups (DG). A dedicated nodal officer has been appointed to handle complaints related to:
- Denial of books and uniforms
- Admission discrimination
- Unfair practices in fees or academic support
5. Regulation of Book and Uniform Sales
To prevent exploitation, schools have been strictly prohibited from forcing parents to buy books or uniforms from specific vendors. They are also restricted from changing uniform designs more than once every three years.
Legal and Financial Commitment
The Directorate of Education has committed to pursuing all pending court cases related to unjustified fee hikes, seeking early hearings to ensure speedy resolutions.
Additionally, the Delhi government has reinforced its commitment to affordable and quality education by increasing the education budget by ₹2,000 crore for the fiscal year 2025–26.
What This Means for Parents
These initiatives are designed to bring transparency, accountability, and fairness into the private education system. Parents facing coercive fee practices now have a clear path to raise concerns and expect action from authorities.
The DoE reassured that any school found indulging in arbitrary fee hikes will face strict legal consequences, reaffirming the administration’s goal to make quality education accessible and affordable for all.
The Delhi government’s action against private school fee hike reflects its commitment to educational equity and financial fairness. By implementing inspections, audits, and legal reinforcements, it aims to curb exploitative practices in private schooling and ensure a balanced system that serves both students and families.
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