In a significant move, the Delhi Assembly has passed the Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill 2025, a bill aimed at controlling fee hikes in private schools. This marks a key legislative achievement for the BJP government after 27 years in power. The bill ensures schools can’t arbitrarily increase fees and emphasizes transparency in financial matters.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta explained the bill would prevent private schools from increasing fees arbitrarily, mandating schools present details on location, facilities, expenses, and teaching standards. Schools will face penalties, including fines between ₹1 lakh and ₹10 lakh, for raising fees without permission. The bill includes a provision for doubling penalties for delayed refunds and revocation of recognition for repeated violations, with the government potentially taking over school operations. A multi-tiered regulatory system, comprising school, district, and state-level committees, will ensure representation for parents, teachers, principals, and officials. The bill also gives parents a veto power on fee increases.
Education Minister Ashish Sood stated the bill introduces strict audit rules and empowers parents. The goal is to eliminate exploitative practices and establish a more equitable and transparent educational environment.