Are you tired of private school fees climbing every year and draining your budget? The Delhi government has just presented the ‘Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees 2025’—a new bill designed to bring transparency and control to private school fee structures. But while officials claim the bill is a breakthrough for parents, many parents’ associations are protesting, arguing it may work in favor of schools instead.What Is the New School Fee Bill?Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood introduced the bill in the Assembly, stating its main aim is to prevent private schools from increasing fees arbitrarily every year. This follows longstanding complaints from parents who feel burdened by ever-increasing tuition, activity, and miscellaneous fees.Key FeaturesFee Transparency: Schools must submit their fee structures in writing by March 31 each year. They are only allowed to charge what’s officially filed.Covers All Private Schools: The law will apply to all private schools in Delhi, even those managed by minority groups.Heavy Penalties: If a school harasses a student or deregisters them due to fee disputes, it faces a fine of ₹50,000.School Recognition at Risk: Repeat offenders may lose their official recognition by the education department.Government’s PromiseAshish Sood declared, “This bill will end the tradition of yearly fee hikes and stop the commercialization of education. Education is not for sale—this is a direct move against those making a business out of schooling.” The government believes the law will keep education affordable and fair for all families.Why Are Parents Protesting?Despite the government’s claims, major parent associations are deeply dissatisfied and staged a protest outside the Assembly under the banner of United Parents Voice. Here’s why they’re concerned:Only 15% Complaint Support Needed: The bill requires 15% of parents to support a complaint for it to be officially considered, which parents say makes the complaint process nearly impossible.Legalizes Dubious Fees: Protesting parents believe the new categories of permissible fees may legalize what were previously illegal or unapproved charges.Audit Concerns: The bill could compromise the mandatory auditing of school accounts, making it tougher to track misuse.No Civil Court Access: It restricts parents' ability to take fee disputes to a civil court, forcing resolution solely through the bill’s mechanisms.Weakens DSEAR Rules: Advocates argue the bill dilutes existing protections under the Delhi School Education Act and Rules (DSEAR).Advocate Shikha Bagga, representing parents, claims, “This bill is anti-parent and was crafted in cahoots with the private school lobby. It weakens oversight, shields schools, and will silence parents.”What’s Next?The debate is heating up as parents demand the bill be put on hold until further stakeholder consultations. The government, however, is moving forward, claiming strict enforcement and fines will finally stop the annual fee hike cycle.
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