Preparations have begun in Delhi to curb the rising and uncontrolled fees of private schools. A major decision on this issue is likely to be taken during the Legislative Assembly's monsoon session, which begins on August 4th. It is reported that BJP MLA Rekha Gupta will introduce a crucial bill aimed at controlling the arbitrary fee collection by private schools. The proposed law will include provisions for heavy fines and strict action against such schools.
This session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly will be completely paperless. The National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) will be used, enabling the handling of proceedings and documents digitally. This step is considered significant in making the Assembly's working methods technically ber and more transparent.
Efforts to Bring Transparency
The government may introduce several important bills and policies in this monsoon session. According to sources, the bill ensuring transparency in school fee determination could be the focal point of this session. Prepared on the basis of the ordinance approved by the Delhi Cabinet on April 29, this bill includes stringent provisions to control the fees of private schools.
It is reported that this bill could cause a heated debate between the ruling party BJP and the opposition Aam Aadmi Party. However, the government claims that its aim is to ensure transparency and accountability in the education sector.
Key Provisions
The government's proposed bill includes the following strict provisions:
• A fine of ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh will be imposed on schools for the first violation of the rules.
• For repeated violations, this fine can be increased from ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
• If schools do not return the extra fees collected within the stipulated time frame, the fine will be doubled for a delay of 20 days, tripled for a delay of 40 days, and will increase for every subsequent delay of 20 days.
• Management officials who consistently violate the rules may be removed from their positions and will not have the right to propose fee revisions in the future.
This step by the Delhi government could prove to be a major change in bringing discipline and transparency to the education sector. It remains to be seen how this bill becomes a topic of discussion in the Legislative Assembly and the extent to which it receives political support.
