Private Schools in Delhi Can No Longer Hike Fees Arbitrarily as Government Enforces New Scheme

National Desk: The Delhi Government has taken a major step to curb arbitrary fee hikes by private schools, making it mandatory for every private school in the capital to constitute a School Level Fee Regulation Committee (SLFRC). The move follows growing complaints from parents about unchecked fee increases.

Education Minister Ashish Sood said the decision has been taken under the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025 and its associated rules, which were notified on December 10, 2025. The government believes the new framework will bring significant relief to parents and ensure transparency in fee determination.

‘Schools Can No Longer Raise Fees at Will’

Clarifying the intent of the law, the Education Minister stated that no private school will be allowed to increase fees arbitrarily. Any proposal to revise fees must be backed by valid reasons and placed before the SLFRC for approval. The Directorate of Education has issued detailed instructions applicable to all schools defined under Section 2(13) of the Act. These provisions will come into force from the academic session 2025–26.

According to the government, the core objective of the Act is to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in the fee fixation process.

Timeline and Strict Rules for Committee Formation

The government has laid down clear deadlines and procedures for the constitution and functioning of SLFRCs:

• All private schools must constitute the SLFRC by January 10, 2026.
• Names of the chairperson and all committee members must be displayed on the school notice board and website.
• Five parent representatives and three teacher representatives will be selected through a draw of lots.
• Details of the draw—date, time, and venue—must be made public at least seven days in advance.
• Schools must place the proposed fee structure before the committee by January 25, 2026.
• The committee must take a reasoned decision on the proposal within 30 days.
• Any delay, violation, or arbitrary action will invite legal action.

The order has come into effect immediately, with instructions for strict compliance.

Strong Role for Parents

The 11-member SLFRC will include five parent representatives, ensuring meaningful parental participation in fee-related decisions. The remaining members will be drawn from school management and teachers. No fee hike can be implemented without discussion and approval by the committee.

In addition to school-level panels, district-level fee regulation committees will also be formed to monitor irregularities and address parental grievances. The government has made it clear that from the academic session 2026–27, all timelines and provisions under the Act will be enforced strictly.