Delhi CM Announces School Fees Regulation Bill 2025: In a move being hailed as a major reform in the education sector, the Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved the Delhi School Education, Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill 2025. This is the first serious attempt since the 1970s to rein in arbitrary fee hikes by private schools across the National Capital Territory.
The decision comes after a wave of complaints from parents about unchecked increases in tuition and auxiliary charges by private institutions. Chief Minister Gupta recently made headlines for taking swift action against a school accused of expelling students over unpaid fees. The new bill aims to prevent such incidents and bring fairness, transparency, and accountability to fee-related decisions.
The bill mandates the creation of a three-tier decision-making process involving parents, teachers, and district-level committees. Key highlights include a fixed 3-year term for fee regulation, an 18-point government charter to guide fee hike decisions, and legal safeguards against harassment of students or guardians over financial issues.
Delhi School Fees Regulation Bill 2025 – Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Bill Name | Delhi School Education, Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill 2025 |
| Introduced By | Government of Delhi under CM Rekha Gupta |
| Trigger for Action | – Widespread parental complaints – Arbitrary fee hikes – Student expulsions |
| Fee Committee Setup | – 2 Teachers – 5 Parents (draw of lots) – Valid for 3 years |
| District Oversight Panel | – 10 members – Includes 2 women, 1 SC/ST representative |
| Decision-Making Framework | Based on 18-point criteria notified by the Delhi Government |
| Current Status | Approved by Cabinet; to be tabled in Delhi Assembly |
| Notable CM Action | Spot visit to Queen Mary School after expulsion complaint |
| Official Statement | CM Gupta: “This is a bold and historic step.” |
| WhatsApp Official Channel | Join WhatsApp Channel |
| Telegram Official Channel | Join Telegram Channel |
What is the Delhi School Fees Regulation Bill 2025?
It’s a bill to regulate private school fees in Delhi using a parent-inclusive, 3-tier committee system, guided by an 18-point evaluation framework.
Rekha Gupta’s Ground Action Paves Way for Policy Shift
The bill didn’t emerge in a vacuum. In recent months, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has actively responded to public outcry. One video that went viral on social media showed her confronting the management of Queen Mary School in Model Town after they allegedly expelled students due to fee non-payment.
Addressing a press conference later, Gupta said, “Parents of children from some schools are constantly meeting me and telling me their problems. It is certain that no school has the right to harass any parent or child, threaten to expel them or increase the general fees.” This public assurance has now translated into legislative action with the introduction of the regulation bill.
Parents to Have a Say in Fee Decisions for the First Time
One of the most unique features of this bill is the inclusion of parents in the decision-making process. Schools will be required to constitute a seven-member committee—two teachers and five parents—to decide whether any fee hike is necessary. These parents will be chosen randomly and will serve for a term of three years, ensuring fairness and rotational participation.
At a broader level, a 10-member committee at the district level will serve as an appellate body. This panel will not only monitor compliance but will also include marginalized voices such as women and members from SC/ST communities. These structural changes are intended to democratize how educational expenses are set and communicated to families.
18-Point Charter: Transparency Over Profits
The government has also laid down an 18-point charter that schools must adhere to before proposing any changes in the fee structure. While the full list has not yet been published, officials indicated that it would include considerations such as infrastructural upgrades, staff salary hikes, inflation metrics, and student welfare components.
Education Minister Ashish Sood explained, “The entire process will be transparent. Schools can no longer act arbitrarily. This framework will ensure that fee hikes are justified, necessary, and publicly vetted.”
What Happens Next: Bill to be Tabled in Delhi Assembly
With Cabinet approval secured, the next key step is for the bill to be formally tabled in the Delhi Assembly. Once passed, it will become a legal requirement for all private schools operating in Delhi. The government is also expected to release operational guidelines, timelines for committee formation, and procedures for reporting violations.
The bill is likely to set a precedent for other Indian states grappling with similar issues. If implemented effectively, it may redefine the parent-school relationship and tilt the power balance back toward the families and students the education system is meant to serve.
