Delhi CM Rekha Gupta warn schools over fee hike harassment

In a prompt response to mounting complaints from parents, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has issued a stern warning to private schools accused of harassing students and families over controversial fee hikes.

Her intervention came amid growing outrage over alleged mistreatment of students at Delhi Public School (DPS), Dwarka, and Queen Mary School in Model Town.

“Let me make it absolutely clear — no school has the right to harass parents or children, or threaten them over fee disputes,” Gupta said in a video statement.

“There are laws in place, and any violation will invite strict consequences. Notices have already been sent to multiple schools following credible complaints.”

Urgent action and zero tolerance

During a public dialogue on April 15, Gupta was alerted to a case involving Queen Mary School, where parents accused the administration of unlawful fee collection and student expulsions.

Responding promptly, she directed officials to launch an urgent probe and assured swift punitive action if violations are confirmed.

“The Delhi government stands for transparency, fairness, and the protection of every child’s rights in education. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of exploitation, discrimination, or irregularities,” Gupta declared.

“Every child deserves dignity, justice, and a safe learning environment.”

Disturbing allegations from DPS Dwarka

At the heart of the controversy are serious allegations from parents of DPS Dwarka students, who claim their children were publicly humiliated and segregated for not paying what they describe as an "arbitrary and illegal" fee hike.

According to the parents, students who resisted the hike were removed from classrooms and isolated in the school library — monitored closely and denied interaction with peers or free access to basic needs.

“They were treated like criminals — escorted by housekeeping staff even for water or washroom breaks,” said one distraught parent. “My child came home sobbing and now fears going to school. Our entire family is under immense stress.”

Repeated appeals to the school’s principal and administration have gone unanswered, parents said.

Parents demand accountability

On April 13, a group called DPS Dwarka Aggrieved Parents held a press conference, decrying what they labeled “systemic mental harassment.” Their demands include:

• Immediate release of the investigation report by the district magistrate’s team under the Directorate of Education.
• Public identification of officials — both government and private—found complicit or negligent.
• Full transparency from the DPS Society regarding potential violations of the Right to Education.
• Decisive government and administrative response to the allegations.

“This is bigger than just one school,” said a spokesperson from the parent group. “We are fighting for structural reforms to ensure every child’s fundamental rights are protected.”

Awaiting school response

As pressure mounts and investigations proceed, civil society groups are joining the call for sweeping reforms in private school governance. Meanwhile, DPS Dwarka and Queen Mary School have yet to issue official statements in response to the allegations.