Delhi Draft Bill 2025: Schools May Face Rs 50,000 Fine Per Student for Charging Excess Fees

In a bold move to ensure greater transparency and fairness in school fee structures, the Delhi government is preparing to introduce the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Draft Bill, 2025. Scheduled to be presented during the monsoon session of the Delhi Assembly in July, the proposed legislation is aimed at regulating tuition fees and curbing unjustified fee hikes by both private and government schools in the national capital.

One of the most notable features of the draft bill is the penalty clause, which proposes a fine of ₹50,000 per student on schools found to be charging excess or unjustified fees. This provision is designed to act as a deterrent against arbitrary hikes and protect parents from bearing undue financial burdens.

The bill aims to institutionalize transparency in how educational institutions determine their fees and ensure that they adhere to regulatory oversight.

To ensure proper implementation and dispute resolution, the draft bill outlines a three-tier fee regulation system, which includes:

Each committee will include representatives from school management, teachers, and parents to ensure a balanced and participatory approach to fee regulation.

The proposed legislation has received a positive response from many parents and education activists, who believe that stricter regulation is necessary to ensure accountability in the school system. Several have pointed out that frequent and unexplained fee hikes have been a long-standing issue, especially in private unaided schools.

However, there has also been pushback from some education management bodies, which argue that the bill may be ineffective in addressing fee increases already implemented during the 2025–26 academic session. Critics also raise concerns about the potential administrative burden and the possibility of bureaucratic delays in resolving disputes.

Originally, the Delhi government planned to pass the bill during a special legislative session, but the plan has now been deferred to the upcoming monsoon session, expected to be held in July 2025.

Once passed, the law will apply uniformly to all schools operating within Delhi’s jurisdiction, including both private and government-run institutions.

If enacted, the bill will:

The Delhi School Education Draft Bill 2025 marks a significant step towards bringing transparency and accountability to the capital’s school education system. With the potential to reshape how schools handle fee structures, the bill emphasizes the need for balance—ensuring quality education remains accessible without overburdening families financially.

If passed and implemented effectively, this legislation could serve as a model for other states to follow, fostering a more equitable education system nationwide.