The Delhi Legislative Assembly passed the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025, a landmark legislation aimed at regulating school fees in the capital. This Act seeks to curb arbitrary fee hikes by private schools and ensure greater transparency and accountability in fee fixation.
Key Provisions of the Delhi School Education Act 2025
1. Mandatory Fee Regulation Committees
Each private unaided school in Delhi is now required to establish a Fee Regulation Committee.
This committee will comprise:
Parents
Teachers
School Management
Representatives from marginalized groups
The committee's role is to oversee and approve any fee-related decisions, ensuring a participatory approach to fee fixation.
2. Parental Participation and Veto Power
Parents now have a formal role in the fee-setting process. They can participate in discussions and have veto power over proposed fee hikes, providing them with a significant say in the financial decisions of the school.
3. Transparency in Fee Fixation
Schools are mandated to submit a three-year proposed fee structure to the Directorate of Education (DoE). This submission must include a detailed breakdown of fees and justifications for any increases, promoting transparency and accountability.
4. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
A structured grievance redressal mechanism has been established, comprising:
School-level committees
District-level appellate committees
High-level review committees
These bodies are tasked with addressing complaints and disputes related to fee fixation, ensuring timely and fair resolution.
5. Penalties for Non-Compliance
Schools found violating the fee regulation provisions face stringent penalties, including:
Fines ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh
Sealing of school property
Revocation of school recognition
These measures aim to deter unauthorized fee hikes and ensure strict adherence to the law.
Implications for Parents and Schools
For Parents:
Enhanced Control: Parents now have a formal platform to participate in fee-related decisions.
Financial Protection: The Act safeguards parents from arbitrary fee hikes.
Access to Justice: The grievance redressal mechanism provides a structured process for addressing disputes.
For Schools:
Compliance Requirements: Schools must adhere to the new regulations, including forming fee regulation committees and submitting detailed fee structures.
Transparency Obligations: Schools are required to justify fee increases and maintain transparency in financial dealings.
Risk of Penalties: Non-compliance with the Act's provisions can lead to significant fines and other punitive actions.
Conclusion
The Delhi School Education Act 2025 marks a significant step towards regulating school fees and ensuring transparency in the education sector. By involving parents in the fee-setting process and imposing strict penalties for non-compliance, the Act aims to create a more accountable and equitable educational environment in Delhi.
FAQs
1. What is the Delhi School Education Act 2025?
The Act regulates fee fixation in private schools, ensures transparency, and involves parents in the decision-making process.
2. Who is part of the Fee Regulation Committee?
The committee includes parents, teachers, school management, and representatives from marginalized groups.
3. Can parents veto fee hikes?
Yes, parents have formal participation and veto power over proposed fee increases.
4. What are the penalties for schools that don’t comply?
Penalties include fines from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh, sealing of school property, and possible revocation of recognition.
5. How does the Act benefit parents?
It protects parents from arbitrary fee hikes, allows participation in fee-setting, and provides access to grievance redressal mechanisms.
Published on : 18th August
Published by : SMITA
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