Delhi Government tables 'Fee Determination and Transparency Bill, 2025' in Assembly to curb arbitrary fee hikes by private schools.
Delhi: With the aim of curbing arbitrary fee increases by private schools, the Delhi government has introduced the 'Delhi School Education (Fee Determination and Transparency in Regulation) Bill, 2025' in the Legislative Assembly. The bill was presented in the House by Education Minister Ashish Sood on the first day of the monsoon session. Its objective is to enhance transparency in the education sector and provide relief to parents.
Arbitrary Fee Hikes by Private Schools a Growing Concern
In recent years, many private schools in Delhi have been increasing fees arbitrarily. This has increased the financial burden on parents and led to repeated protests. This bill has been brought in to control this situation and implement a systematic framework.
Fees Can Only Be Increased Once in Three Years
According to the bill, no private school will be able to increase fees more than once in three years. For this, schools will have to constitute a 'School Level Fee Regulation Committee.' This committee will discuss any proposed fee increase before a final decision is made.
Schools Cannot Charge Fees Exceeding the Prescribed Limit
As per the bill, schools will not be able to charge fees exceeding the prescribed limit. If a school violates the rules, punitive action will be taken against it. The law also clarifies that repeated violations of the rules may lead to the cancellation of the school's recognition.
Provision for Strict Penalties for Violations
The bill includes a provision for strict penalties. For the first violation, the school concerned may be fined from one to five lakh rupees. If the school violates the rules again or repeatedly, the penalty amount may increase from two to ten lakh rupees. In addition, there is also a provision to restrict school management from holding positions or to cancel recognition.
Law to be Implemented with Retrospective Effect
This bill will be implemented with retrospective effect from April 1, 2025. This means that any unauthorized fee increase implemented before April 2025 will fall under this law and action can be taken on it.
