Delhi cabinet approves draft bill to regulate school fees amid growing parent concerns

The Delhi Cabinet has approved a draft bill aimed at regulating fees in both private and government schools, a move spurred by rising frustration among parents over steep fee hikes in the national capital. The bill, once passed by the Delhi Assembly, will introduce regulations on fee structures, which have previously lacked any legal framework.

The bill was approved during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, with Education Minister Ashish Sood explaining that it proposes the creation of a three-tier committee to oversee fee hikes. Gupta pointed out that previous governments had not provided any guidelines to curb fee increases by private schools, leaving parents with limited recourse.

The Delhi education department had earlier Issued show-cause notices to 11 private schools for unjustified fee hikes and identified around 20 schools involved in the practice of “dummy schooling,” where students are enrolled without attending classes. Gupta emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and student rights, stating that no school has the right to unfairly charge fees or expel students over financial issues.

This move comes after complaints about a private school in Model Town, which allegedly raised its fees significantly and expelled students for non-payment. Gupta reassured that strict action would be taken against any school found violating the regulations. The bill’s approval marks a significant step toward ensuring fairness in the education system, especially in light of the ongoing financial strain faced by parents. By implementing stricter regulations on fee hikes and holding schools accountable.