Sun Feb 01 04:19:43 UTC 2026: ### Hyderabad Public School Fee Hike Sparks Parental Outcry, Government Intervention Sought

The Story:
Parents of students at Hyderabad Public School (HPS) met with Minister for IT and Industries Duddilla Sridhar Babu on Saturday, February 1, 2026, to voice concerns over a substantial fee hike. Parents are claiming the school’s fees have risen by 141% over the past four years, without adequate justification or transparency. The parents are requesting government intervention and a comprehensive inquiry into the school’s management practices.

The parents claim fees have risen from ₹83,630 in the 2021–22 academic year to ₹2,01,628 for 2025–26. They allege the school has failed to provide proper financial documentation and accused the administration of mismanaging the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Minister Sridhar Babu assured parents that the matter would be reviewed by the Fee Regulation Committee and the Education Department, instructing Director of School Education E. Naveen Nicholas to conduct an immediate inquiry.

Key Points:

  • HPS parents protested a 141% fee increase over four years.
  • Fees allegedly rose from ₹83,630 (2021–22) to ₹2,01,628 (2025–26).
  • Parents claim lack of transparency and inadequate explanation for the hikes.
  • Allegations of PTA mismanagement and misleading the government and CBSE.
  • Parents demand a State-wide Fee Regulation Board and capping fee increases at 8–10% every three years.
  • Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu promised an inquiry and a fair resolution.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rising education costs are a significant concern for parents in Hyderabad.
  • Transparency and accountability in school fee structures are critical.
  • Government intervention may be necessary to regulate private school fees.
  • The formation of a State-wide Fee Regulation Board is being considered.
  • The incident highlights the need for improved communication and collaboration between school administrations and parent communities.

Impact Analysis:
This event could lead to broader regulatory changes in the education sector, potentially impacting other private schools across the state. The government’s response will set a precedent for future fee disputes and may influence the structure and function of Parent-Teacher Associations. A State-wide Fee Regulation Board, if implemented, would have a long-term impact on the autonomy of private schools in setting fees. This situation also has the potential to increase public scrutiny of private school finances and management practices.

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