On April 29, 2025, the Delhi Cabinet approved the Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill, 2025, a landmark legislation aimed at curbing arbitrary fee hikes by private schools. With Delhi’s 1,677 private unaided and government-aided schools under scrutiny, the bill promises to bring transparency, accountability, and relief to parents grappling with escalating education costs. Hailed as a “historic” move by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the bill introduces a structured framework to regulate fees but has sparked debates over its complexity and enforceability. As it heads to the Delhi Legislative Assembly, here’s an in-depth look at its provisions, stakeholder reactions, and potential impact.
In This Article:
The Need for Regulation
Delhi’s private schools have long faced criticism for steep, often unjustified fee hikes. Parents like Anna Mable Ritheesh, who shifted her son to a government school after paying ₹17,000–₹20,000 quarterly, highlight the financial strain on middle-income families. Protests erupted in 2024, with parents at Maharaja Agrasen Model School in Pitampura opposing 18–20% annual increases and Vanasthali Public School in Mayur Vihar facing backlash for a 100% hike. The Delhi School Education Act and Rules (DSEAR), 1973 lacks specific provisions to control fees, and past efforts, like the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) 2015 bill, failed to materialize. The 2025 bill seeks to fill this regulatory gap.
Key Features of the Bill
The bill introduces a comprehensive mechanism to regulate fees across Delhi’s private schools:
- Three-Tier Committee System: A School-Level Fee Regulation Committee—comprising the principal, three teachers, five parents/guardians, and a Directorate of Education (DoE) nominee—will review fee hike proposals. Parents, selected via lottery, hold decision-making power. District and state-level committees will handle appeals and ensure compliance.
- Strict Penalties: Schools raising fees without approval face fines of ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh, with repeated violations risking derecognition or government takeover.
- Protection for Students: The bill prohibits schools from withholding results, expelling students, or harassing them over non-payment of unapproved fees.
- Transparency Measures: Schools must submit fee hike proposals to committees, which will evaluate them based on a clear checklist to prevent profiteering. Additional charges, like those for music or science, will also be regulated.
- Timeline: If passed in a special Assembly session and approved by the Lieutenant Governor, the bill will take effect from the 2026–27 academic year.
Stakeholder Reactions
The bill has elicited mixed responses, reflecting hope and skepticism.
Parental Support
Parents welcome the bill’s focus on transparency and parental involvement. Sudha Acharya, principal of ITL International School, told PTI that it fosters trust between schools and parents. Parent groups see the committee structure as empowering families to challenge arbitrary hikes.
School Concerns
School administrators caution against overregulation. Dr. Ameeta Mulla Wattal of DLF Foundation Schools highlighted rising costs due to National Education Policy (NEP) mandates, like vocational education and infrastructure upgrades. She warned that multiple committees could create bureaucratic delays. Dr. Kavitha A Sharma of Springdales School noted the diversity of Delhi’s schools, suggesting a one-size-fits-all approach may falter.
Opposition Criticism
AAP’s Leader of Opposition Atishi called the bill an “eyewash,” arguing it offers no relief for 2025–26 fee hikes. She demanded an immediate freeze, refunds for excess fees, and public consultation. AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the bill’s structure, alleging it favors schools by requiring 15% parental objections to challenge hikes and letting principals chair committees.
Expert Skepticism
Education activist Ashok Agarwal labeled the bill “overly complicated,” suggesting a single committee would be more effective. Critics also question enforcement, citing past failures under DSEAR, 1973.
Potential Impact and Challenges
If passed, Delhi would join 14 other states with fee regulation laws, potentially setting a national precedent. The bill aligns with a 2023 Delhi High Court ruling allowing schools surplus funds for development but banning commercialization. However, challenges remain:
- Enforcement: Effective, impartial committee operations are critical to avoid delays or school influence.
- Balancing Costs: Schools need financial viability for salaries and upgrades, but parents seek affordability.
- Legal Hurdles: Past DoE directives faced court stays, and the bill could encounter similar challenges.
- Immediate Relief: The 2026–27 timeline leaves current hikes unaddressed, fueling parental frustration.
The Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill, 2025 is a bold attempt to address a pressing issue. By empowering parents and enforcing transparency, it aims to make education more affordable. However, its success depends on streamlined implementation, stakeholder consensus, and robust enforcement. As Delhi awaits the bill’s fate, it could reshape private education, balancing school autonomy with parental rights.
-By Manoj H
