Delhi govt to implement law to curb school fee hikes

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday announced the implementation of the Delhi School Education (Fee Determination and Transparency Regulation) Act, 2025, a new law aimed at curbing the commercialisation of education and promoting fairness in school fee regulation. The legislation has received formal assent from Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and has been officially notified by the government.

Hailing the law as a “historic victory for parents”, Gupta said it places families at the heart of decision-making and protects students from arbitrary and excessive fee hikes. “For years, parents and students struggled with unpredictable and excessive fee increases. This Act establishes a strong, transparent and participatory system for school fee regulation,” she said.

The law, which was passed by the Delhi Assembly on August 8, prohibits schools from charging more than the fees approved under the new framework. It introduces school-level committees comprising parents, teachers, school management representatives, women and members from marginalised communities to decide on fee structures.

To address grievances, district-level redressal cells led by senior education officials would be set up. Appeals would be handled by a high-level review panel to ensure fairness and impartiality.

Key provisions of the law include mandatory public disclosure of approved fees on school websites and notice boards in multiple languages, a three-year stability period for fee structures and steep financial penalties for schools imposing unauthorised charges. The Act also guarantees time-bound resolution of disputes and grants parents a more active role in the oversight process.

Gupta said in past years, some private schools had increased fees by 30-45 per cent, leaving many parents burdened and some students facing humiliation over unpaid dues. “This law addresses those gaps and ensures a fair, transparent and accountable system,” she said.

She added the Act is in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, which calls for the elimination of profiteering in education. “This legislation strengthens trust between parents, students and schools, ensuring education remains a right and an instrument of public welfare,” Gupta said.