The Delhi Cabinet approved a draft legislation aimed at regulating fee structures in both private and government-run schools across the capital. The decision comes amid increasing public concern over arbitrary and frequent fee hikes. The proposed legislation, once enacted by the Delhi Legislative Assembly, will lay down enforceable guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness in the determination and revision of school fees. Significantly, remarked that “no school has the right to harass parents over fees or remove students unfairly.”
The draft bill was cleared during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The initiative followed a wave of complaints from parents alleging unjustified increases in school fees and, in some instances, the expulsion of students for non-payment. The Delhi Government, through its education department, had earlier issued showcause notices to 11 private schools and initiated inquiries into allegations of “dummy schooling” reportedly practiced by nearly 20 unaided private institutions.
Education Minister Ashish Sood, while announcing the proposed legislation, explained that the bill envisions the creation of a three-tier regulatory mechanism to oversee fee revisions. Sood highlighted that prior administrations had not provided a statutory framework to control fee hikes by private educational institutions. CM Gupta further emphasized at a press conference that the absence of legislative guidelines had led to unchecked practices by schools, to the detriment of parents and students alike.
Although the matter has not yet reached judicial review, CM Rekha Gupta echoed principles often affirmed by constitutional courts regarding the right to education. She stated, “No school has the right to harass parents over fees or remove students unfairly.” This aligns with the broader constitutional mandate under Article 21A, which guarantees the right to education, and with judicial precedents asserting that access to education must not be impeded by financial exploitation or administrative arbitrariness.
She further asserted the State’s commitment to upholding children's educational rights, remarking that all institutions, irrespective of their management, must operate within the regulatory framework. CM Rekha Gupta made it clear that non-compliance with the upcoming law would invite strict action from the authorities, reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance approach to fee-related harassment.
With Cabinet approval secured, the draft bill is now set to be introduced in the Delhi Assembly. Upon its passage, it will become a binding law governing fee determination practices in both private and government schools. The law is expected to empower regulatory committees, ensure accountability in fee revisions, and protect students and parents from exploitative practices.
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