Delhi new School Education Bill of 2025 aims to overhaul private school fee regulations. It covers over 1,700 private schools, a significant increase from the previous law’s 300 schools. Education Minister Ashish Sood says the bill will end arbitrary fee hikes and increase transparency. But parent groups remain skeptical.
What the Bill Proposes
The bill creates committees to oversee fee fixation and grievance redressal. These committees include parents, teachers, school management, and government representatives. Under the new rules, all fee proposals must be approved by these committees by September. Schools that raise fees without government approval face fines of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. The Director of Education now has powers similar to a magistrate to enforce the law and take suo motu action.
For the first time, parents gain veto power over fee increases. The bill addresses concerns about individual complaints by requiring at least 15% parental support to file a grievance. This measure prevents institutional paralysis, according to Sood. Parents can also now voice concerns about school facilities, like labs and playgrounds, through this new system.
Should Education be subsidized?
Why Parents Are Delhi School Fee Bill 2025 Protesting
Despite these provisions, parent groups like the United Parents’ Voice (UPV) are protesting. They claim the government passed the bill without proper public consultation. The UPV demands a rollback of unapproved fee hikes and independent audits. Parents also criticize the requirement for formal representation and the 15% complaint limit, stating that it restricts their ability to raise issues. They want a monthly fee collection system and public portals for greater transparency.
