Aam Aadmi Party Demands Amendments to Delhi School Education Bill, Citing Favoritism to Private Schools

Strategic Insights -

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has challenged the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025, labeling it pro-management and anti-parent legislation. Atishi, the leader of opposition, claimed that the bill legitimizes excessive fee hikes by private schools without adequate oversight. The AAP has proposed several amendments to ensure greater transparency and accountability, including mandatory school audits, public sharing of audit reports, and a 15-day feedback window. The party also advocates for the expansion of the Fee Regulation Committee to include 10 elected parent representatives and granting parents the right to appeal against the Fee Committee's decisions in court.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has demanded amendments to the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025, citing favoritism to private schools.
  • The bill, in its current form, allegedly legitimizes excessive fee hikes by private schools without adequate oversight.
  • AAP leader Atishi proposed several amendments, including:

+ Mandatory school audits.

+ Public sharing of audit reports with parents.

+ A 15-day feedback window.

+ Expansion of the Fee Regulation Committee to include 10 elected parent representatives.

+ Granting parents the right to appeal against the Fee Committee's decisions in court.

+ Allowing hearings on fee-related complaints even if just 15 parents submit a grievance.

  • The party accused the government of bringing the bill without proper consultation with stakeholders and lacking transparency.
  • AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha submitted a formal notice in the Assembly, calling for the bill to be sent to a select committee.

Statistics:

  • The bill allegedly legitimizes excessive fee hikes made by private schools from April 1, 2025.
  • The Fee Regulation Committee would be expanded to include 10 elected parent representatives.
  • Parents would be given a 15-day feedback window to provide comments on fee-related matters.
  • The bill would grant parents the right to appeal against the Fee Committee's decisions in court.
  • BJP MLA Rajkumar Bhatia admitted that the bill benefits private school owners.

Sources:

  • New Delhi Times.