By team abhyaspeeth 
Special Correspondent
New Delhi : In a major step towards making education more affordable and transparent, the Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved a draft Bill to regulate the fees charged by private and government-aided schools in the capital.
This move comes after weeks of protests by parents against sudden and steep fee hikes. Many parents had gathered outside the Directorate of Education (DoE) office, demanding action against private schools that had increased fees without proper procedures.
Speaking at a press conference, CM Rekha Gupta said, “We have passed a draft Bill that will apply to all 1,677 aided and unaided private schools in Delhi. It will set clear guidelines and procedures for any fee hikes, ensuring transparency and protecting parents and students from exploitation.”
Earlier this month, the DoE had also announced a probe into private unaided schools found increasing fees illegally. Action against such schools could include de-recognition or even takeover of school management.
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Gupta added, “Parents had complained not only about the hikes but also about schools pressuring children regarding unpaid fees. Our detailed study revealed that no previous government had put in place mechanisms to regulate this.”
For the first time since 1973, Delhi will now have a structured process to monitor and control fee increases. The new system will involve setting up school-level, district-level, and state-level committees to finalize guidelines. Schools that violate these guidelines could face fines ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
“This is a historic and bold step by the Delhi government to ensure that education remains accessible and fair for all,” CM Gupta said.
The Bill is seen as a major victory for thousands of parents across Delhi who had raised their voices against unjustified fee hikes.