Delhi Orders Private Schools to Establish Fee Oversight Panels by July 15
The Delhi government has mandated that all private unaided schools form regulatory committees to justify costs and halt unauthorized price hikes. This move enforces the Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Act passed following widespread public protests.
Deadline Set for Institutional Oversight
In a drive to curb unregulated educational costs, the Delhi government has instructed private unaided schools to constitute School-Level Fee Regulation Committees (SLFRCs) before July 15, 2026. This directive follows a June 30 circular originating from the Directorate of Education (DoE). The mandate applies to the current academic session under the legal framework of the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025.
Composition and Selection Protocols
Every SLFRC must maintain a diverse makeup to ensure balanced decision-making. The law requires a panel consisting of:
- School management representatives and the principal.
- Three teachers and five parents.
- One nominee appointed by the government.
To ensure integrity, the DoE requires schools to issue a seven-day public notice prior to conducting a draw of lots for committee members. A government observer will monitor the selection process, which schools must also capture via video recording. Education Minister Ashish Sood stated that education functions as a service rather than a commercial enterprise, asserting that the administration would reject hidden charges or arbitrary financial demands on families.
Financial Compliance and Deadlines
Following the formation of these panels, schools are required to submit their fee proposals for the next three years by July 31. These submissions must include fully audited financial statements covering the last three years of operation. Per current Delhi High Court guidance, schools must maintain their 2026-27 fee structures at levels consistent with previous years until the new committees provide formal approval.
The Minister's office clarified that any surplus fees collected during this transition period are subject to judicial review and may require a full refund or adjustment. The DoE has cautioned that management teams attempting to circumvent these regulatory requirements will be met with rigorous penalties.
Source: The Hindu — Home
