Delhi private schools may face Rs 10 lakh fine for fee violations under new rule

India Today

a day ago

In a significant step aimed at protecting parents from unjustified school fee hikes, the Delhi Cabinet has approved an ordinance that seeks to tighten regulations on private school fees and impose strict penalties for violations. The ordinance, based on the draft Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025, will now be sent for presidential approval through the Lieutenant Governor.advertisementAnnouncing the decision, Delhi's Education Minister Ashish Sood said the move is a major victory for parents, especially those with children studying in private unaided schools. This is a landmark day. Once enacted into law, it will prevent schools from hiking fees arbitrarily,' he stated.STRICT PENALITIES FOR VIOLATIONSThe ordinance empowers the government to fine private schools up to Rs 10 lakh for non-compliance. For first-time violations, the penalty ranges from Rs 1 to Rs 5 lakh. Repeat offenders could face fines of between Rs 2 and Rs 10 lakh. Additionally, if a school fails to refund excess fees collected in violation of the norms within 20 working days, the penalty amount will double every 20 days of delay.
Schools that repeatedly flout regulations may also lose their right to propose future fee hikes, and members of their management could be disqualified from holding key positions.THREE-TIERED COMMITTEES FOR OVERSIGHTadvertisementTo ensure proper oversight, the ordinance provides for the creation of three-tiered committees at the school, district, and revision levels. The top-tier Revision Committee—headed by the Director of Education—will include government officials, financial experts, and parent representatives, with its rulings binding for three years.MANDATORY SCHOOL-LEVEL FEE COMMITTEESAll private schools, including those offering international curricula or minority institutions on subsidised land, will be required to establish a School Level Fee Regulation Committee annually by July 15. This committee will include members from both staff and parent communities, with mandates to reflect diversity and inclusivity.FRAMEWORK FOR FEE PROPOSALS AND RESTRICTIONS ON OFFENDERSThe government clarified that while schools retain the right to propose fees, they must do so within a defined framework. Schools under suspension or repeated penalty will be barred from suggesting any revisions for the academic year.(With PTI inputs)Must Watch