Delhi Cabinet approves bill to regulate school fees in government and private institutions

In a major development addressing the long-standing grievances of parents, the Delhi Cabinet has approved the draft Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill, 2025. The bill aims to regulate fee structures in both government and private schools operating in the national capital.

The decision comes in the wake of widespread protests by parents against arbitrary fee hikes. Earlier this month, hundreds gathered outside the Directorate of Education office, demanding a rollback. Many carried placards stating, “Parents are not ATMs” and “Education is the right of every child,” reflecting growing frustration with rising educational expenses.

Announcing the bill, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called it a “bold and historic” step. She criticised previous administrations for failing to provide any framework to control unchecked fee hikes by private schools. Gupta emphasised that this move was necessary to end the “harassment” of students and parents under the pretext of fee collection.

Delhi's Education Minister Ashish Sood provided further details, stating that the bill includes 18 regulatory provisions and introduces a three-tier committee system to ensure fee transparency. He clarified that fee hikes will only be permitted once every three years under strict scrutiny and that schools violating the guidelines may face de-recognition or government takeover.

The bill is also expected to formalise participation from all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and school managements, in the decision-making process regarding fee changes. Authorities say this collaborative mechanism will ensure fairness and prevent exploitation.

As the draft bill heads for legislative approval, it represents a significant intervention in Delhi’s education landscape. With enforcement expected soon, the move could set a precedent for other Indian states facing similar challenges.