Punjab caps private school fee hikes at 5% after Amritsar student's death; excess fees to be refunded

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced a cap on annual fee hikes by private schools, a day after the death of a Class 12 student in Amritsar sparked widespread concern over alleged harassment linked to unpaid school fees.

The announcement came amid growing outrage following the death of a 17-year-old student whose family alleged that she had been repeatedly pressured by school authorities over pending dues.

The student, who was living with her maternal aunt while pursuing her studies, allegedly consumed a poisonous substance. Before her death, she accused the school management in a video taken in hospital of subjecting her to mental harassment over the fee issue.

Referring to the incident, Mann said parents from across Punjab had contacted him regarding arbitrary fee increases by private schools. In a post on X, he said the government had taken a "strict and important decision" keeping in mind the concerns of parents and the future of students.

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Punjab School Fee: New limits announced

Under the new policy, private schools in Punjab will not be permitted to increase fees by more than 5% in a year. Mann also said that institutions which raised fees by more than 15% over the last three years would be required to return the excess amount collected from parents.

The chief minister stated that the government would introduce an ordinance to ensure implementation of the decision. As per Mann, the ceiling will apply not only to tuition fees but also to other compulsory charges and funds collected by schools.

Mann in the post on X said the proposed framework would be among the strictest school fee regulation measures in the country and added that no institution would be exempt from the rules.

Punjab Government: Warning to schools

The chief minister warned that schools violating the new regulations could face punitive action, including cancellation of registration. He said the government would not allow educational institutions to function arbitrarily and would take steps to protect families from financial exploitation.

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Mann also criticised previous administrations for allegedly allowing unchecked fee increases by private schools. He said the state government was committed to ending what he described as the exploitation of parents in the name of education.

Describing the deceased student as a victim of the "school mafia", Mann said the government would act firmly to ensure that incidents linked to fee-related pressure are not repeated and that parents' aspirations for their children's education are protected.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.