The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have once again locked horns—this time over the Delhi School Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The proposed Bill has become the latest political flashpoint, with both parties accusing each other of playing politics over children’s education. AAP has called the Bill an attack on the autonomy of Delhi’s education model, while the BJP claims it is a much-needed step to bring transparency and accountability in the city’s private schools.
I’m writing about this because education policies in Delhi often set the tone for larger national discussions. Delhi’s education reforms under AAP have been praised globally, but they’ve also faced criticism from opposition parties. Now that a fresh Bill is in the spotlight, it’s important to understand what’s actually being proposed, what both sides are saying, and most importantly, how it affects students, parents, and teachers. These policy fights are not just political theatre—they directly impact how our children learn and how our schools function. That’s why this debate deserves our attention, beyond the shouting matches in press conferences.
What Is the Delhi School Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025?
The Bill aims to amend certain provisions of the Delhi School Education Act, 1973. According to reports, it proposes changes in how private schools in Delhi operate, especially in terms of admissions, fee structures, and accountability to the government.
Some key proposals include:
- Giving the Delhi government more powers to regulate private school admissions
- Mandatory government approval for any fee hikes
- Penalties for violations of education norms
- Stricter rules for teacher appointments and qualifications
While the government says these steps are to protect students and parents from exploitation, critics argue that the Bill may also increase government control in areas where autonomy is needed.
AAP’s Objections to the Bill
The AAP, which governs Delhi, has slammed the Bill, calling it an “attack on federalism” and a direct interference in the state’s governance. Education Minister Atishi accused the BJP-led Centre of trying to weaken the city’s successful education model.
Some of AAP’s main points:
- The Bill was drafted without consulting the Delhi government
- It overrides the existing powers of the Delhi education department
- It could hamper the innovative changes AAP has brought to government schools
- It allows for bureaucratic interference in school-level decisions
Atishi said that the Bill is not about education reform but about political control. She warned that this move could reverse the progress made in Delhi’s schools over the last decade.
BJP’s Defence of the Bill
The BJP has defended the proposed Bill, claiming it is aimed at curbing irregularities in private schools. Delhi BJP leaders say that several complaints have come from parents about arbitrary fee hikes, lack of transparency in admissions, and mismanagement in private schools.
They argue that:
- The Bill will bring in transparency and fairness
- It is meant to protect the rights of parents and students
- The AAP government is unnecessarily politicising the issue
- The Centre has the right to step in when there are complaints of misuse
They’ve also accused AAP of being worried about losing control over education policies, rather than actually caring about reforms.
What Does This Mean for Delhi’s Students and Parents?
If this Bill is passed in its current form, private schools may have to follow stricter rules regarding admissions and fee hikes. That could be a relief for many middle-class families who often feel the burden of rising school fees. But on the other hand, too much government control might make it harder for schools to function independently or innovate.
There’s also concern that the constant political tussle between AAP and BJP might delay real reform. While both sides claim to work for students, the ground reality often involves teachers waiting for clear orders, parents stuck in red tape, and students missing out on quality learning.
As someone who watches policy debates closely, I feel this issue needs more public involvement. Bills like these should be discussed not just inside Assembly halls or news studios but in PTAs and teacher forums. Politicians need to realise that education is not a battleground—it’s the base of our future. If the Bill has strong points, keep them. If it overreaches, fix it. But don’t turn it into just another headline war.
