A Historic Move for Parents Tired of Arbitrary School Fee Hikes
In a significant win for parents across the national capital, the Delhi Cabinet has passed the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025. The legislation, once enforced, will regulate school fees in all 1,677 private unaided and government-aided schools in the city.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta hailed it as a “bold and historic decision” to restore transparency and ensure that education remains affordable and accessible for all.
What the New School Fee Bill Actually Do
Hikes Only Every 3 Years — Not Whenever Schools Feel Like It
Schools will now be allowed to increase fees only once in three years, and only if they provide justifiable reasons backed by financial data.
Everyone Gets a Say — Parents Included
A new three-tier committee—with members from school management, parents, and teachers—will evaluate and approve any proposed hike.
Transparency Is Now Law
Schools must disclose their entire fee structure, justify costs, and submit an 18-point financial report before applying for any changes.
Violators Won’t Get Away
Schools that don’t comply could face government penalties, fines, or even administrative takeover of school functions.
“We’re Fixing a Broken System,” Says Delhi’s Education Minister
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood emphasized the importance of putting parents first.
“There was no standard or legal way to question fee hikes until now. This bill gives power back to the parents,” he said.
Opposition Slams the Bill: “Parents Are Being Silenced”
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticized the bill, claiming it weakens parent voices.
Saurabh Bharadwaj, AAP Delhi President, said:
“The requirement that 15% of parents must sign a complaint is unrealistic. Many parents will be afraid to speak up.”
AAP also pointed out that the bill doesn’t directly address hidden charges or donations often demanded during admissions.
What Happens Next?
The bill will be formally presented in the Delhi Legislative Assembly in the upcoming session. Once passed, it will be implemented across all applicable schools.
The Education Department is expected to release implementation guidelines and set up district-level fee regulation committees in the following weeks.
Why This Matters to Delhi’s Families
This law could change how schools operate across the city. If passed:
- Schools will no longer be able to impose arbitrary or stealthy fee hikes
- Parents will have a legal forum to contest unfair charges
- Transparent budgeting and justifications will become the norm
- It sets a precedent that could spread to other Indian states
As Delhi moves forward with this landmark bill, thousands of parents who have long struggled with unpredictable and often unaffordable school fees finally see a path toward fairness. If passed in the Assembly, the law won’t just regulate numbers — it will restore trust, ensure accountability, and reaffirm the idea that quality education should never come at the cost of financial strain. All eyes are now on the Delhi government to turn this bold promise into a real and lasting reform.