The Delhi government recently introduced a new Education Bill in the Assembly that aims to bring transparency in school fees, while also clarifying the level of autonomy private schools will have. The draft bill lays down clear rules for fee regulation, regular audits, and penalties for non-compliance. At the same time, it promises that the government will not interfere in day-to-day administration or hiring decisions of recognised private institutions.
I decided to write on this topic because the issue of fee hikes and school governance in private schools affects thousands of parents across Delhi and beyond. Every year, we hear stories of sudden hikes in school fees, and at the same time, there’s a lot of debate around how much control the government should really have over private schools. This bill is trying to strike that middle ground—and it’s something both parents and educators should understand well. The article below breaks down the key points in the bill and what it could mean for the future of school education in the capital.
What Is the Delhi Education Bill 2025 Trying to Do?
The bill focuses on two key issues that have long been points of contention:
- Unregulated fee hikes in private schools
- Government interference in school management
According to the bill:
- Schools must take prior approval from the Directorate of Education (DoE) before raising fees
- Financial statements and balance sheets must be submitted annually for review
- Capitation fees and donations are strictly banned
- Schools found guilty of financial irregularities can face fines or even cancellation of recognition
- Private schools will have the right to appoint their own teachers and staff without interference
Why Fee Regulation Was Needed
Over the last few years, many parents have raised concerns about unreasonable increases in school fees. Some schools have been known to hike fees by 10% to 20% each year, citing infrastructure upgrades or inflation, without offering proper breakdowns or justification.
The new bill tries to create a system where schools must show their financial need clearly before increasing fees. This gives parents some clarity and relief. Schools will be audited regularly to ensure they are not using funds for non-educational purposes.
What It Says About Private School Autonomy
The bill also acknowledges that private schools should have the freedom to run their institutions. Many school managements had earlier complained that too much red tape from the government was affecting their ability to innovate or function smoothly.
The bill now mentions that the government will not interfere in:
- Recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff
- Internal functioning, pedagogy, and curriculum methods (as long as they follow guidelines)
- Choice of textbooks, uniforms, and extracurricular programmes
What Parents and Schools Are Saying
Some parent groups have welcomed the move, especially the part about advance notice before fee hikes and compulsory disclosures. They feel more protected now against sudden financial pressure.
On the other hand, private school associations have raised concerns that frequent audits and fee approvals could slow down operations. They have asked for more dialogue to ensure that quality education is not compromised in the process.
