Delhi to Implement School Fee Regulation Act Soon
The Delhi government is set to implement the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act in the coming months, aiming to regulate fees charged by private unaided schools and curb arbitrary hikes. Officials said the law, which was passed earlier this year, will soon be operational after the finalisation of rules and administrative mechanisms.
What the Law Provides
Under the Act, private unaided recognised schools will be required to follow a structured process before revising fees. Schools will need to justify any proposed increase based on audited financial records and operational requirements. The law clearly defines different fee components such as tuition fees, annual charges and development fees, and restricts schools from levying unapproved or ad hoc charges.
Role of Parents in Fee Fixation
A key feature of the Act is the involvement of parents in the fee regulation process. Parent representatives will be part of school-level fee committees, allowing greater transparency and participation in decisions affecting school expenses. The government has stated that this provision is intended to reduce disputes between schools and parents and ensure accountability.
Timeline and Implementation Plan
Education department officials indicated that the Act is likely to be implemented in a phased manner, with detailed guidelines to be issued soon. The new framework is expected to apply from the next academic session, once committees are formed and compliance procedures are notified.
Impact on Schools and Families
The legislation will bring all private unaided schools in Delhi under a single regulatory framework. Schools that fail to comply with the provisions may face penalties or restrictions on fee collection. The government says the move will protect parents from sudden financial burden while ensuring schools have adequate resources to operate effectively.
