In a major policy move aimed at curbing unregulated fee hikes in private unaided schools, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Education Minister Ashish Sood have introduced the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025 in the Assembly.
The bill proposes sweeping changes to how school fees are structured and approved, directly addressing long-standing concerns of parents about arbitrary increases and lack of financial transparency in private schools.
What the Bill Proposes
Under the new framework, schools can revise their fee structure only once every three years, and only after securing formal pre-approval. This clause is designed to prevent annual inflationary increases that have burdened families across Delhi.
To ensure oversight and fair representation, a three-tier regulatory mechanism will be put in place:
- School-Level Committees: Headed by the management but will include parents, teachers, and a representative from the Directorate of Education (DoE).
- District Appellate Committees: Empowered to hear and resolve disputes arising from fee-related complaints.
- State-Level Regulatory Tribunal: The top authority with binding powers to ensure compliance.
Penalties and Restrictions
Schools that fail to comply with the bill’s regulations face hefty financial penalties ranging between ₹1 lakh and ₹10 lakh per violation. Persistent breaches may even result in de-recognition of the institution.
Additionally, schools under dispute will not be permitted to charge fees exceeding the last approved amount, offering financial relief during ongoing investigations.
However, a controversial provision allows for an annual 15% internal hike without external approval, provided it aligns with specific criteria. This clause has already sparked backlash among parent groups who argue it could undermine the bill's intent.
Reactions Pour In
The bill has triggered intense debate, both inside and outside the Assembly. On social media platform X, users rallied behind the #EducationNotBusiness hashtag.
“अब स्कूलों को अपनी कमाई और खर्च का पूरा हिसाब देना होगा... #EducationNotBusiness,” tweeted user @infinity_45_.
Another user, @Abhinavlion_110, called it a "game-changer for parents tired of exploitation."
In contrast, opposition voices led by AAP's Atishi strongly criticized the bill. Calling it a "pro-school management law", she demanded it be referred to a select committee for detailed review. Key concerns raised include:
- Lack of rollback provisions if fee hikes are found unjustified.
- Weak auditing mechanisms.
- Unrealistic thresholds for parental consent in committee decisions.
What's Next?
Implementation will hinge on the formation of school and district-level committees, clarity around how fee audits will be conducted, and how three-year lock-in periods are enforced.
Education Minister Ashish Sood emphasized the government's vision:
“This is not just a bill; it's a stand against turning education into a commodity.”
The Act aligns with the Supreme Court’s 2022 verdict that categorically stated education cannot be treated as a business.
What It Means for the Future
If effectively implemented, Delhi’s move could become a template for other states facing similar concerns. However, critics caution that over-regulation might create new barriers for schools and parents alike, including reduced access to courts and increased bureaucratic involvement in school affairs.
As the bill awaits the next stage of deliberation and possible amendments, one thing is clear: the debate over education as a right versus education as enterprise is far from over in the capital.
