Delhi brings private school fees under 2025 regulation act

A new regulatory framework for private school fees in Delhi has come into effect after the Delhi government issued the Gazette notification for the Delhi School Education (Fee Fixation and Regulation) Act, 2025.

Lt Governor VK Saxena has formally notified the law, bringing more than 1500 private, unaided schools under its scope.

The legislation establishes a structured three-level mechanism to address fee-related concerns.

The process begins with a School Level Fee Regulation Committee and moves to a District Fee Appellate Committee, with final oversight provided by a Revision Committee.

The system is designed to ensure that disputes are evaluated consistently across all stages.

The law introduces a requirement that complaints against a school can be taken up only when at least 15% of parents support the submission, signaling a shift toward collective grievance redressal.

Schools are barred from charging any fee that has not received prior approval, and all approved fee components must be itemized clearly.

The government has also prohibited additional “access fees” or unexplained charges.

Under the new rules, tuition fees may cover only academic and day-to-day operational expenses. Infrastructure development and building-related costs must be accounted for separately and cannot be funded through tuition collections.

Composition of the School Level Committee includes parent representatives, with a mandate to include women and members from marginalized groups.

Three teachers selected through a lottery system will serve on the committee, along with a management representative acting as chairperson, the principal as member secretary, and an observer from the education department.

The committee is responsible for approving the school’s fee structure once every three years. Any proposal to revise fees must be supported by audited financial statements.

District committees are constituted by July 15 each year and are required to address disputes by July 30. Decisions may be escalated to the Revision Committee within 30 to 45 days.

That committee must issue its final ruling within 45 days, and its decision remains valid for three years. If the case is not resolved within the specified period, it moves automatically to the Appellate Committee.

The overall aim of the law is to introduce transparency, accountability, and a predictable process in the regulation of private school fees in Delhi, strengthening parental participation while providing schools with a clearly defined compliance framework.