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Background

Several private schools in Delhi have recently implemented sudden and substantial fee hikes, leading to widespread anger among parents. There have been reports of some schools threatening to expel students if fees are not paid. In response, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has taken a firm stance and ordered an investigation.

Government Measures and Guidelines

• Zero Tolerance Policy: The government has made it clear that any arbitrary fee increases or harassment of students and parents by schools will result in strict action.
• Notices Issued: Schools against which complaints have been received have been issued notices and asked to respond.
• Mandatory Compliance: All private schools are required to follow the prescribed procedures and regulations for fee hikes.

Examples of Fee Hikes in Prominent Schools

• Srijan School: 36% fee increase in 2024-25.
• Ahlcon International School: 15% increase in 2022-23 and 13% in 2024-25; accused of ₹15 crore financial irregularities.
• Angel Public School: 14% increase in 2022-23 despite ₹42 lakh financial irregularities.
• Salwan Public School: 23.84% increase in 2023-24 and 14.68% in 2024-25; accused of ₹1.68 crore scam.
• Rukmini Devi Public School: 11% fee increase in 2024-25.
• Lancer Convent School: 34% fee increase in 2024-25.

Government Investigation and Monitoring System

The Delhi government has established investigative committees led by Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to examine the fee structures of all 1,677 private schools in the capital. These committees, which include Tehsildars and Account Officers, will collect and publish fee-related data within 10 days.

Political Reactions

The issue has sparked political accusations between parties. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that the current government is colluding with the education mafia, while the government claims that previous administrations ignored these irregularities.

The Delhi government has adopted a ‘zero tolerance policy’ regarding fee hikes by private schools. If any school is found violating the prescribed procedures, strict action will be taken against them.

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_{April 15, 2025 | New Delhi | Curated By the team at Boldvoices.in}