Education | The Indian Express
Amid long-standing complaints of parents or guardians over irregular and exorbitant fee hikes by private, unaided schools in the national capital, the Delhi government, headed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has launched a crackdown to curb irregular and exorbitant fee hikes. On Saturday, the Directorate of Education (DoE) addressed the complaints of the parents, calling the issue ‘chronic and deeply distressing for families. ‘
The issue is distressing, especially for families from middle- and lower-income groups. The notification said that the issue escalated notably during the post-Covid period, with reports of annual fee increases ranging from 25 per cent to 30 per cent, it said.
“Many parents have also alleged coercive practices by schools, including denial of admit cards for board examinations and threats to strike off names of students over non-payment of what they describe as unauthorised fees,” the DoE said.
Taking note of these persistent complaints, the DoE said it intensified the monitoring of private schools and launched a comprehensive crackdown.
What are the government’s plans?
–High-level inspection teams, including those led by district magistrates, have been deployed to investigate grievances related to school fees. In one instance, a school was inspected following complaints from parents concerning these issues.
–The Department of Education (DoE) has warned that any institution found guilty of violating fee regulations under the Delhi School Education Act and Rules of 1973 will face serious consequences.
–These consequences of fee hike may include suspension, cancellation of recognition, and even measures to take over the management of non-compliant schools.
Story continues below this ad
–Additionally, a specialized audit of school finances is being initiated, with senior accounting officials assigned to examine the records of institutions that do not comply.
–The DoE has also implemented measures to protect the rights of students from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups.
–A dedicated nodal officer has been appointed to resolve complaints related to the non-provision of books, uniforms or any form of discrimination in admissions, it said.
–The DoE has also instructed private schools not to compel parents or guardians to buy books or uniforms from particular vendors or change the uniform design more than once every three years.
Story continues below this ad
Additionally, the Directorate concluded that it is committed to vigorously pursuing pending cases in courts related to fee hikes, seeking early hearings to ensure swift resolution.
The DoE is fully committed to protecting the academic interests of students. Any private school indulging in arbitrary fee hikes will face the strictest legal action,” it said.
The education department has reaffirmed its resolve to ensure equitable and quality education for all students, with an increased budget allocation of about Rs 2,000 crore in the 2025-26 fiscal year, the DoE said.
(with inputs from PTI)
#Delhi #government #plans #curb #exorbitant #fee #hike #private #schools