Delhi Introduces Bill to Regulate Private School Fees in Capital

Strategic Insights -

Delhi education minister Ashish Sood on Monday introduced the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025 in the Assembly, aiming to curb "arbitrary" fee hikes by private schools. The bill covers all 1,677 private unaided schools in the Capital and proposes reforms, including a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism and penalties of up to Rs.10 lakh for violations. The legislation is part of a broader effort to address the commercialization of education, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta endorsing the bill on X, stating it would "strictly curb the commercialization of education."

Key Takeaways:

  • The Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025 aims to regulate private school fees in the Capital.
  • The bill covers all 1,677 private unaided schools in Delhi and proposes a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism to address fee-related issues.
  • The bill bars any school from collecting fees in excess of what has been approved under the act and requires schools to set up a School Level Fee Regulation Committee by July 15 each year.
  • The bill lists key criteria for determining fees, including school location, infrastructure, teacher salaries, and revenue surplus.
  • Failure to comply with the bill's provisions can result in penalties of up to Rs.10 lakh.
  • Several private school principals welcomed the move, while others expressed concerns about the bill's implementation and potential loopholes.
  • The Aam Aadmi Party slammed the legislation, calling it a "sham bill" that legalises profiteering and sidelines parent voices.

Statistics:

  • 1,677 private unaided schools in Delhi are covered by the bill.
  • Up to Rs.10 lakh in penalties can be imposed on schools for unauthorized fee increases.
  • 20 days is the timeframe for fine escalation, doubling penalty amounts.
  • 15th July is the deadline for schools to set up the School Level Fee Regulation Committee.
  • 31st July is the deadline for schools to submit fee proposals.

Sources:

  • HT Digital Content Services
  • HT Noida & Ghaziabad