Lucknow tightens rules on pvt school fees, issues strict guidelines for transparency

Lucknow has introduced stricter oversight on private schools, with District Magistrate Visakh G issuing fresh directions aimed at regulating fee structures and protecting parents from unfair financial practices.

The move follows a meeting of the District Fee Regulatory Committee at the Collectorate Auditorium, where officials reviewed enforcement of the Uttar Pradesh Self-Financed Independent Schools (Fee Regulation) Act, 2018, and its 2020 amendment.

The discussion centered on ensuring transparency in school fees, addressing complaints of overcharging, and preventing compulsory purchases of books, uniforms, and stationery.

The committee focused on regulating fee hikes, capitation fees, and the purchase of uniforms, books, and stationery to protect parents and students from unfair practices.

The DM emphasized that any proposed fee increases by private schools will be thoroughly scrutinized by the District Fee Regulatory Committee, which also addresses parental grievances.

Schools must adhere to prescribed fee limits, and punitive measures will be recommended if violations occur.

The Additional District Magistrate (Civil Supplies), Jyoti Gautam, and the District Inspector of Schools have been appointed as Nodal Officers. Parents can contact them directly with complaints related to fee hikes or other school issues.

A joint district-level monitoring team has also been constituted, comprising Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Additional City Magistrates, and Government Secondary School Principals.

This team will oversee compliance, investigate complaints, and submit regular reports while coordinating with the Education Department for joint inspections wherever required.

Every school will be required to prominently display its fee structure on its website and notice board.

No school will be allowed to charge fees beyond the prescribed limits, and collection of capitation fees will remain strictly prohibited. Schools must issue valid receipts for all payments received.

Students cannot be forced to purchase books, uniforms, or other items from specific shops or vendors.

Fee details will also be made available at the District School Inspector’s office to support grievance redressal and monitoring.

School uniforms will remain unchanged for five consecutive academic years to prevent additional financial burden on parents.

For existing students, fee hikes will be capped at the annual Consumer Price Index increase plus 5% of the current fees.

Any violation involving forced purchases of books, shoes, or uniforms from designated vendors may lead to inquiries and penalties, including fines of up to ₹5 lakh or cancellation of school recognition.

Schools affiliated with the NCERT curriculum must use only NCERT textbooks, and any attempt to mandate additional private publications will invite strict action.

Complaints regarding fees or compulsory purchases can be filed by students, parents, or Parent-Teacher Association members through the District Fee Regulatory Committee or designated Nodal Officers.

The meeting was attended by officials from the Education Department, the District School Inspector, and other concerned authorities, both in person and virtually.

These measures are intended to enhance transparency and accountability in private school operations in Lucknow while ensuring quicker resolution of parent grievances.