DPS fee hike row: Parents allege harassment, say students isolated from classes

A growing controversy over fee hikes at multiple Delhi Public School (DPS) branches has escalated, with parents alleging that students who refused to pay the disputed amounts are being harassed and isolated.

Complaints have emerged from DPS branches in Vasant Kunj, Rohini, and Dwarka, sparking intervention from education authorities and child rights bodies.

A parent of a Class X student at DPS Dwarka recounted a disturbing incident: “Today was the first class for my child…To our horror, they had to sit in the library the entire day and were not allowed to attend any classes. Attendants even escorted them to the washrooms. Some classmates mocked my child, asking, ‘Can’t your father afford to pay the school fees?’”

The issue stems from an ongoing dispute over fee hikes, which parents argue were implemented without adhering to the Directorate of Education (DoE) norms. As tensions escalate, the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the DoE have stepped in to address grievances.

Authorities take note, issue orders

On March 18, Dr. Rakesh Rahi, Deputy Director of Education (DDE) Northwest B-II, issued an advisory to DPS Rohini, warning against striking students off the rolls. The same day, another directive was sent instructing the school “not to withhold results, deny mark sheets, or discriminate against students over non-payment of hiked fees.”

Meanwhile, the NCPCR issued a notice on March 13 to the Deputy Director of Education (South West-A), highlighting that “several parents of DPS Vasant Kunj alleged their children are being forced to sit in the library and are barred from attending classes.” The commission directed authorities to ensure “the child's academic year is not disrupted under any circumstances.”

Parents raise serious allegations

Parents claim that beyond fee hikes, issues such as unregulated Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), public shaming of students, and threats of expulsion have added to their distress. On March 13, around 50 parents of DPS Dwarka students lodged a formal complaint with the DoE, alleging that the school had issued show-cause notices via email, threatening to remove students from the rolls if they failed to pay the unapproved hiked fees.

Mahesh Mishra, a parent of a Class 8 student at DPS Dwarka, expressed frustration: “DPS proudly showcases its achievements, yet its fee policies and treatment of students have been under controversy for years.” Another parent of a Class XI student at DPS Rohini alleged that during recent PTMs, “progress reports were withheld from parents who had not paid the increased fees.”

Fear and compliance amidst uncertainty

A parent from DPS Vasant Kunj recounted how their child was segregated on the first day of school: “After assembly, they were asked to stay back in the field. Later, they were made to sit in the library. This has terrified my child, making them anxious about returning to school.” Another parent added, “Out of fear, most parents have now submitted undertakings to pay the arrears.”

The issue isn’t new. In May 2024, DPS Dwarka removed 13 students from its rolls for non-payment of increased fees. The Delhi High Court later reinstated some students in an interim order. In July, the DoE issued a show-cause notice to DPS Dwarka following multiple complaints. Responding to this notice, Principal Priya Narayanan dismissed the allegations, calling the notice “arbitrary, illegal, and devoid of merit.”

Legal battle continues

As the legal battle continues, parents remain in limbo, torn between challenging the fee hike and ensuring their children’s academic stability. With authorities now involved, the hope is for a resolution that upholds both education rights and ethical governance in schools.