AAP, BJP trade barbs over School Education Bill in Delhi

On the second day of the Monsoon Session of the Delhi Assembly, a proposed bill to regulate fee hikes in private schools sparked intense debate, with the BJP backing the legislation and the AAP demanding the inclusion of its proposed amendments.

Education Minister Ashish Sood tabled the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025, on Monday, stating that the proposed legislation seeks to establish a robust institutional framework to bring transparency and accountability in how private school fees are regulated.

He added that the Bill ensures the participation of all stakeholders, including parents, teachers and school management, in the decision-making process.

Addressing concerns raised by the Opposition, particularly around mandatory school audits and the clause requiring at least 15 per cent parental backing to lodge a complaint, Sood said the government is willing to hold discussions on these provisions.

Backing the bill, BJP MLA from Malviya Nagar, Satish Upadhyay, said it would offer long-overdue relief to parents burdened by frequent and arbitrary fee hikes. “The Bill proposes to give parents a seat at the table by including them in the fee regulation committee,” he said.

However, Leader of Opposition Atishi slammed the bill, calling it a “legal cover” for fee increases. “We have proposed amendments based on inputs from concerned parents. These will be taken up for voting tomorrow,” she said.

AAP MLA from Deoli, Prem Chauhan, also raised objections, pointing out that the bill allows school committees to fix fee structures without mandating audits. “Requiring 15 per cent of the parent body’s support just to file a complaint is an unfair barrier,” he said.

Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta informed the House that all members will present their proposed amendments on Wednesday, after which voting on the bill will be held.

Notably, AAP legislators in the day staged a protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at the Delhi Assembly premises against the Bill.

The AAP will fight for the rights of Delhi’s children and parents. The BJP will have to listen to the public, said LoP Atishi.