Newly appointed Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered an immediate probe into allegations of exorbitant fee hikes and unlawful expulsions by private schools in the national capital. The directive came during her public outreach event, ‘Jan Samvad’, held over the weekend — where multiple citizens raised their voices against the growing burden of private school education.
The Chief Minister, who has pledged to make education a cornerstone of her administration, assured that her government would take swift and strict action against any school found violating the norms laid out by the Delhi School Education Act, 1973.
A Platform for Public Grievances
The Jan Samvad, an interactive citizens’ forum launched recently by the Delhi government, aims to bring government officials face-to-face with residents to directly address their concerns. During Saturday’s event, education-related complaints dominated the discourse.
Several parents narrated distressing experiences — from sudden fee hikes without prior notice to students being expelled over unpaid dues, sometimes mid-session. Some complained about being forced to buy books and uniforms from specific vendors at inflated prices.
One parent said, “My daughter was expelled from her school in the middle of the academic year because we couldn’t pay the hiked fee on time. We were not even given time to appeal.” Another mother broke down while explaining how she had to take a personal loan to pay her two children’s school fees, which had nearly doubled over the last two years.
CM Rekha Gupta’s Immediate Response
Moved by the testimonials, CM Rekha Gupta responded promptly. “Education is a fundamental right, not a privilege for the few,” she declared. “Any private school that thinks it can run like a business without accountability will face consequences.”
She ordered the Directorate of Education (DoE) to launch a formal investigation into the schools named by parents during the event and directed them to examine whether proper permissions were taken for fee hikes, as required by law.
“Expelling students over fee issues is not only unethical but also illegal. Every child has a right to continue their education without harassment,” Gupta added.
Provisions and Legal Framework
Under the Delhi School Education Act, private unaided schools must seek prior approval from the DoE before increasing tuition fees. Schools are also barred from collecting capitation fees or forcing parents to buy materials from specific shops.
The Chief Minister reminded schools that violating these rules can attract penalties, including derecognition. She urged parents to report such incidents to the DoE helpline and promised greater transparency in future school audits.
Political and Public Support
Gupta’s stand has drawn praise from civil society and parent associations across the city. The Delhi Parents Association (DPA) released a statement welcoming the move. “For too long, parents have been at the mercy of private school managements. We hope this marks the beginning of accountability in the education sector,” the statement read.
Opposition leaders, while cautiously optimistic, have called for concrete follow-through. “It’s a good first step, but we need to see whether these probes actually lead to action,” said a local MLA from the opposition.
A Larger Reform Agenda
Education experts see Gupta’s intervention as part of a larger reformist agenda. Since taking office, she has emphasized strengthening government schools, reducing the public-private gap, and making Delhi a model for accessible and quality education.
The CM also hinted at forming an Education Regulatory Body to monitor private institutions more closely. “We need long-term oversight, not just reactive measures,” she said.
Rekha Gupta’s response to the cries of distressed parents reflects a leadership style rooted in accessibility and empathy. By ordering a probe into arbitrary fee hikes and student expulsions, the Delhi government is sending a clear message: education is a right, not a revenue stream. As investigations unfold and regulatory mechanisms tighten, thousands of Delhi parents hope that real change is finally on the horizon — one that ensures their children’s right to study is protected at all costs.