Delhi Introduces “Education Transparency Act 2025” to Rein in Private School Fees

Delhi government unveils the Delhi School Education Act 2025 to regulate private school fee hikes—with strong penalties and parental oversight.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Education Minister Ashish Sood have introduced the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025. The bill aims to curb arbitrary fee hikes and bring accountability and parent participation into school governance.

This legislation mandates that hundreds of private unaided schools in Delhi publicly disclose proposed fee structures and financial records and imposes a capped limit on unilateral hikes.

Key Provisions of the Act

Mandatory Fee Approval: Fee hikes to be allowed only once every three years and subject to pre-approval.

Three-Tier Oversight:

School-Level Committee chaired by management with parents, teachers, and DoE representatives.

District Appellate Committee for grievances.

State-Level Regulatory Tribunal with binding authority.

Penalty Clause: Fines range from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh per offence; schools may lose recognition for repeated breaches. Fees can’t exceed the approved amount during dispute resolution.

A controversial 15% cap clause allows small internal hikes annually without higher-level approval, drawing criticism from parent groups.

Public & Political Reactions Amplify #EducationNotBusiness Supporters on X, including @infinity_45_, praised the bill: “अब स्कूलों को अपनी कमाई और खर्च का पूरा हिसाब देना होगा... #EducationNotBusiness”

@Abhinavlion_110 hailed it as a “game-changer for parents”. The movement has spotlighted the latest debate: education as policy, not profit.

Critics Call for Revisions

AAP leader, Atishi—protested within the Assembly, calling the bill a “sham” favoring private schools, and urged it be sent to a select committee. They highlighted the lack of rollback clauses, constraints on audit oversight, and unrealistic 15% consent thresholds.

Parents across Delhi remain divided. While some see the bill as overdue reform, others warn it may entrench bureaucratic control, reduce access to courts, and weaken current audit regulations.

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood framed the move as a watershed moment in Delhi education governance: “Education is not a thing to be sold… this bill aims to stop the commercialisation of education.”

The legislation reflects mounting parental frustration over unchecked private school fee surges and lack of recourse. It aligns with the Supreme Court’s 2022 affirmation that education should not be treated as a profit-making business.

As debate continues, public consultations are expected to shape implementation details. Formation of the school-level and appellate committees, along with rules around 3-year lock-ins and fee audits, remain watch areas.

If enacted in full spirit, Delhi’s model may set a precedent for other states seeking to protect education as a right, not a commodity. The Delhi School Education Act 2025 signals a major reform under the #EducationNotBusiness campaign—but its efficacy hinges on whether enforcement curbs profiteering or, inadvertently, cements bureaucratic overreach. Delhi fee regulation bill 2025, education not business Delhi, private school fees Delhi bill, Delhi transparency act school fees, fee hike Delhi education reform