Fee regulation in pvt schools lies with states, says Centre

The Centre has indicated that fee regulation in private educational institutions is currently governed by state-level frameworks as it falls under the concurrent list, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

Replying to a question by Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary, said matters related to fee charged by private schools are dealt with by respective state governments through their rules and instructions.

The reply also highlighted provisions under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, including free education for children aged 6 to 14 years, a mandatory 25 per cent reservation for weaker sections in private unaided schools, and a ban on capitation fees.

Following the response, Sahney called for a time-bound national mechanism to rationalise school fee, alleging that arbitrary and non-transparent fee structures in private schools are placing a heavy financial burden on middle-class families. He pointed to recurring charges such as annual fee, readmission fee and other levies beyond tuition.

The MP also flagged concerns over the implementation of the RTE Act, citing studies that indicate several private schools are not fully complying with the 25 per cent quota for disadvantaged students. He said lack of awareness among parents, procedural hurdles and delayed reimbursements are preventing eligible children from accessing their rights.

Sahney further noted that even in 2026, the Supreme Court has had to direct states and Union Territories to frame binding rules to enforce the quota, underlining persistent gaps in implementation.