Delhi Private Schools Divided on Fee Regulation Committees Setup
Delhi private schools face division over mandated fee regulation committees under 2025 Act.
Photo by Erik Mclean
Private schools in Delhi are divided over the establishment of School Level Fee Regulation Committees (SLFRCS) under the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025. Some schools have started forming committees, while others are challenging the order in the Supreme Court. The Delhi High Court had refused to stay the government notification but extended the deadline for forming committees to January 20, 2026.
The SLFRC will consist of 11 members, including representatives from the Parent-Teacher Association, teachers, the principal, a school management representative, and a nominee from the Directorate of Education (DoE). The committees will examine fee hike proposals and make decisions within 30 days.
Key Facts
Act: Delhi School Education Act, 2025
Committee: School Level Fee Regulation Committees (SLFRCS)
Members: 11 in SLFRC
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & Social Sector initiatives
Connects to fundamental rights, right to education, federalism (state vs. private institutions)
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on balancing autonomy and regulation
Visual Insights
School Level Fee Regulation Committee (SLFRC) Formation Process
This flowchart outlines the process of forming School Level Fee Regulation Committees (SLFRCs) as mandated by the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025.
- 1.Delhi Govt. notifies schools to form SLFRCs
- 2.Schools nominate members (PTA, Teachers, Management)
- 3.Directorate of Education (DoE) nominates a representative
- 4.SLFRC examines fee hike proposals
- 5.SLFRC makes a decision on fee hike within 30 days
- 6.Decision implemented or challenged in court
More Information
Background
The regulation of private school fees in India has a long and complex history, often marked by legal battles and policy debates. The issue gained prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as private schools proliferated, and concerns arose about unchecked fee hikes and commercialization of education. Many states enacted legislation to regulate fees, but the implementation and effectiveness of these laws have varied significantly.
The judiciary has played a crucial role, interpreting constitutional provisions related to the right to education and the autonomy of private institutions. Landmark judgments have attempted to strike a balance between ensuring affordable access to education and protecting the rights of private schools to manage their affairs. The Delhi School Education Act, 1973, laid some groundwork, but subsequent amendments and new legislation, like the 2025 Act, reflect ongoing efforts to refine the regulatory framework.
Latest Developments
Beyond the immediate context of Delhi, several states have been grappling with similar issues of private school fee regulation. There's a growing trend towards establishing more structured mechanisms for oversight, often involving parent representation and government nominees. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also touches upon the importance of equitable access to quality education, which indirectly influences the debate on fee regulation.
Looking ahead, the effectiveness of SLFRCs in Delhi will likely be closely monitored by other states considering similar models. The legal challenges to the 2025 Act, particularly in the Supreme Court, could set important precedents for the scope of government intervention in private school fee structures nationwide. The use of technology and online platforms for fee monitoring and grievance redressal is also an emerging trend.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the School Level Fee Regulation Committees (SLFRCs) as proposed under the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025: 1. The SLFRC's decisions are binding on the school management and can only be appealed in the High Court. 2. The committee comprises an equal number of representatives from the school management and the Parent-Teacher Association to ensure balanced decision-making. 3. The Directorate of Education (DoE) nominee in the SLFRC acts as a non-voting member, providing only advisory input. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: D
None of the statements are entirely correct. The summary indicates that decisions are made within 30 days, but doesn't specify the appeals process. The committee composition is not equally balanced between management and PTA. The DoE nominee has voting rights.
2. In the context of private school fee regulation in India, which of the following statements best describes the constitutional position?
- A.The Constitution explicitly mandates the state to regulate fees in all private unaided schools.
- B.The Constitution guarantees complete autonomy to private unaided schools in determining their fee structure.
- C.The Constitution recognizes the right to establish and administer educational institutions under Article 30, but this right is subject to reasonable restrictions, including fee regulation.
- D.The Constitution is silent on the issue of private school fee regulation, leaving it entirely to the discretion of the state governments.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Article 30 grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions, but this right is not absolute and is subject to reasonable restrictions. Fee regulation falls under these restrictions.
3. Assertion (A): The Delhi government's move to establish School Level Fee Regulation Committees (SLFRCs) has faced resistance from some private schools. Reason (R): Private schools argue that such committees infringe upon their autonomy and right to manage their financial affairs without undue government interference. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- C.A is true, but R is false.
- D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer
Answer: A
The assertion is true as the news indicates resistance. The reason is also true as private schools often cite autonomy concerns. The reason correctly explains why the assertion is happening.
Source Articles
Delhi: Unauthorised Fee Hike in Private Schools Sparks Parents Protests - Frontline
Confusion looms over Delhi schools over order to conduct classes in ‘hybrid’ mode - The Hindu
Delhi Education Minister announces audits of private schools across city - The Hindu
Delhi Private School Fee Regulation Bill 2025: Can it control exorbitant fee hikes, ensure affordable education? - The Hindu
Delhi HC refuses to stay order directing private schools to form fee regulation panel - The Hindu