Thu May 15 19:43:07 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Delhi government has approved a draft Bill to regulate private school fee hikes following protests by parents. The bill proposes the formation of committees at various levels and penalties for schools taking coercive action against students over non-payment. The issue has become a political battle between the ruling BJP and the opposition AAP. While some experts claim the AAP government has already prevented arbitrary fee hikes since 2015, parents argue that existing regulations aren’t being enforced effectively. Parents welcome the draft bill but emphasize the need for transparency, public consultation, and strict implementation.

**News Article:**

**Delhi Government Approves Bill to Regulate Private School Fee Hikes Amidst Parent Protests**

**New Delhi – May 16, 2025** – Amidst a growing wave of protests over arbitrary fee increases in private schools, the Delhi government has approved a draft Bill aimed at regulating fee hikes and providing relief to parents. The move comes after months of demonstrations and escalating political tensions between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), each accusing the other of fueling the controversy.

The proposed legislation includes the formation of committees at the school, district, and state levels to oversee fee structures. It also outlines a penalty of ₹50,000 per student for schools found to be taking coercive actions, such as isolating students, due to non-payment of increased fees.

Currently, the Delhi School Education Act of 1973 mandates schools to notify the Directorate of Education (DoE) before increasing fees and prohibits mid-season hikes. Shailendra Sharma, a former advisor to the Education Director, stated that while schools on Delhi Development Authority (DDA) land require prior government approval, all schools are expected to inform the DoE of proposed fee changes.

While some argue that the AAP government has already been working to prevent arbitrary fees since 2015, Aparajita Gautam, president of the Delhi Parents’ Association, claims that enforcement of existing regulations has been lax. “Schools have been increasing fees without DoE approval with hardly any action taken,” she said, emphasizing the need for stricter implementation.

Gautam welcomed the draft bill but stressed the importance of transparency, public consultation, and fair representation on the newly proposed committees. “The draft Bill will be a relief for parents. However, it should be in the public domain, open to suggestions from parents before being passed. It should be implemented strictly, and the government should ensure that the committees are being formed fairly,” she added.

The bill is expected to undergo further review and debate before being finalized and implemented.

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