Mon Feb 02 20:16:06 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Delhi Government Mandates Private Schools to Form Fee Regulatory Committees Amid Legal Challenges

The Story:
The Delhi government has directed all private schools to establish School Level Fee Regulatory Committees (SLFRCs) within 10 days, as announced on Sunday, February 2, 2026. These committees are expected to submit proposed fee structures for the next three academic years, commencing with 2026-27. This order comes in response to the implementation of The Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025. Until the fees are fixed under the Act, schools are prohibited from increasing their existing fees from April 1, 2025.

The government’s order, titled ‘Delhi School Education (Removal of Difficulties) Order’, seeks to address concerns regarding the Act’s implementation. The formation of SLFRCs for the current session was initially deemed impossible due to the Act being enforced in December. The Directorate of Education (DoE) had granted a one-time extension to January 10, which was later extended to January 20 following appeals from schools citing winter vacations and other issues. However, many schools have approached the Supreme Court regarding the Act, resulting in the non-formation of these committees to date.

Key Points:

  • The Delhi government ordered private schools to form SLFRCs within 10 days of February 2, 2026.
  • Schools must submit proposed fees for the academic years 2026-27 onwards.
  • Fee increases are prohibited until the SLFRCs determine the new fee structure.
  • The order addresses issues related to the implementation of The Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025.
  • Many schools have challenged the Act in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court.

Critical Analysis:

Not Applicable.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Delhi government is pushing forward with implementing the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025, despite ongoing legal challenges.
  • There is significant resistance from private schools regarding the formation of SLFRCs and the regulation of their fees.
  • The legal proceedings in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court will likely determine the future of fee regulation in Delhi’s private schools.
  • The government is attempting to balance transparency and affordability in private education, while addressing concerns raised by school administrations.

Impact Analysis:

This situation has the potential for significant long-term implications for private education in Delhi.

  • For Parents: If the Act and subsequent orders are upheld by the courts, parents could see greater transparency and potentially more regulated fee structures, leading to more predictable and potentially lower education costs.
  • For Schools: The successful implementation of the Act could limit the financial autonomy of private schools, potentially affecting their ability to invest in infrastructure, resources, and teacher salaries. The legal battles suggest a high level of concern among private school administrators regarding the potential impact on their operations.
  • For the Government: A successful implementation would demonstrate the government’s commitment to making education more accessible and affordable. However, continued legal challenges and resistance from schools could strain the relationship between the government and the private education sector.

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