Thu Jun 12 09:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Headline: Delhi Government’s New School Fee Ordinance to Benefit Current Session Parents, Caps Fee Hikes**
**New Delhi:** Parents of students in Delhi’s private schools are set to benefit from the “Delhi School Fee (Fee Determination Transparency Regulation) Ordinance 2025,” with the government announcing that its provisions will apply retroactively to the current academic session.
Education Minister Ashish Sood stated that any school found to have charged fees exceeding the standards outlined in the ordinance will be required to refund the excess amount. Schools can choose to either reimburse the parents directly or adjust the surplus within upcoming months’ fees.
The ordinance, slated to take effect from April 1, 2025, after presidential approval, introduces strict measures against schools engaging in arbitrary fee hikes. Fines ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh could be levied on non-compliant institutions. In cases of persistent violations, the government may revoke the school’s recognition or even take over its management. The ordinance applies to all 1677 private schools in the capital.
A “Fee Regulation Committee” will be established at each school, including parent representatives. This committee, chaired by the school management chairperson and with the principal as secretary, will also comprise three teachers, five parents, and an observer from the Directorate of Education. The committee will propose fee increases based on factors such as the school’s infrastructure, academic activities, sports facilities, and other amenities.
The ordinance also establishes avenues for appeals. Parents disagreeing with the school-level committee’s decisions can appeal to a district-level “Fee Appeal Committee” headed by the Deputy Director of Education. A state-level committee, headed by the Director of Education, serves as the final appellate authority.
**Key Provisions of the Ordinance:**
* Schools will be prohibited from increasing fees without government approval.
* Fees charged unfairly from April 1, 2025, must be refunded.
* Non-compliance will result in financial penalties and stringent action.
**Internship Scheme Approved:**
In a separate development, the Delhi government has approved the “Developed Delhi Chief Minister Internship Scheme.” This scheme aims to involve graduates and postgraduates in government operations, harnessing their energy and innovation for policy-making. The scheme will offer 89-day internships in various Delhi government departments to 150 meritorious students from institutions across India.
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