Delhi CM warns of strict action against private schools for 'abnormal fee hike', seeks response

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has issued notices to private schools against which complaints of arbitrary fee hikes have been received. Responding to the long-standing complaints of parents, the Directorate of Education (DOE) recently intensified monitoring to curb irregular hike in fees.

In this regard, the Delhi CM today sought responses from these private schools and warned of strict action if failed to furnish details on time. The chief minister called an official and directed him to immediately cancel the registration of Queen Mary's School in Model Town. There was no immediate response from the school, as reported by the PTI.

Addressing a 'Jan Samvad' (public meeting), the chief minister received a complaint about a private school in Model Town allegedly increasing fees and expelling students. Sharing the incident in a post on X, Gupta said, "Today, a case related to Queen Mary's School in Model Town came up, where parents complained about unjust fee collection and the expulsion of students."

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"Notices have been issued to schools against which complaints of arbitrary fee hikes have been received. These schools have been asked to respond, failing which strict action will be taken against them," the chief minister told PTI.

The matter has been taken seriously and officials have been directed to carry out an immediate investigation and take necessary action, she said. "No school has the right to harass parents over fees or remove students unfairly," Delhi CM said, adding that all schools are expected to follow set rules and regulations, and any violation will result in action.

"A zero-tolerance policy is in place for any kind of injustice, exploitation or irregularity -- no negligence will be accepted. Our commitment is clear that every child deserves justice, dignity and quality education," Gupta said. She emphasised that the Delhi government remains committed to transparency, equal opportunity and protection of children's rights in education.

"Notices have been issued to schools against which complaints of arbitrary fee hikes have been received. These schools have been asked to respond, failing which strict action will be taken against them," the chief minister said.

Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Atishi took a dig at the BJP and challenged the chief minister to immediately stop fee hikes in all private schools. In a post on X, Atishi said, "Rekha Gupta, I challenge you to immediately issue an order to halt the increased school fees. Until a thorough audit of school accounts is carried out, no private school should be allowed to charge higher fees."

(With inputs from PTI)