NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has taken decisive action to address the issue of irregular and exorbitant fee hikes by private unaided schools in the national capital. This crackdown follows numerous complaints from parents and guardians who have been deeply affected by the unjust practices of these schools.
The Directorate of Education, in a statement released on Saturday, acknowledged the chronic nature of the problem, particularly its impact on families from middle- and lower-income groups. The issue has been under scrutiny for several years, but has worsened significantly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Reports of annual fee increases as high as 25-30% have raised concerns about the financial burden placed on families.
Furthermore, there have been allegations of coercive tactics employed by schools, such as withholding admit cards for board examinations and threatening to expel students for non-payment of unauthorized fees. In response to these persistent complaints, the DoE has ramped up monitoring efforts and initiated a comprehensive crackdown on offending schools.
High-level inspection teams, led by district magistrates, have been dispatched to investigate fee-related grievances. In one instance, a school was inspected following complaints lodged by concerned parents. The DoE has made it clear that any school found in violation of fee regulations under the Delhi School Education Act and Rules, 1973, will face severe consequences, including suspension, cancellation of recognition, and potential management takeovers.
To ensure compliance, a specialized audit of school finances is underway, with senior accounting officials tasked with scrutinizing the records of non-compliant institutions. Additionally, measures have been put in place to protect the rights of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and marginalized groups.
The Delhi government’s proactive stance on this issue demonstrates its commitment to ensuring fair and affordable education for all students in the national capital.
A dedicated nodal officer has been appointed to address complaints regarding the non-provision of books, uniforms, or any form of discrimination in admissions, the Department of Education (DoE) announced.
Furthermore, private schools have been instructed by the DoE not to require parents or guardians to purchase books or uniforms from specific vendors, or to change the uniform design more frequently than once every three years.
The DoE has also pledged to actively pursue unresolved cases in court concerning fee increases, seeking expedited hearings to ensure prompt resolution.
With an increased budget allocation of approximately ₹2,000 crore in the 2025-26 fiscal year, the education department has reiterated its commitment to providing equitable and high-quality education for all students.
The DoE has emphasized its dedication to safeguarding the academic interests of students, warning that any private school engaging in unjustified fee hikes will face severe legal consequences.
