Delhi School Fee Hike Triggers Parent Protest at Jantar Mantar
On July 20, 2025, concerned parents gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to protest repeated and steep hikes in private school fees. Led by United Parents’ Voice (UPV), the demonstration called out the growing commercialization of education and demanded urgent reforms to ensure affordability and transparency in the private school system.
Why Are Private Schools Increasing Fees?
Many parents claim that private schools are hiking tuition and additional charges without justification, often citing reasons like infrastructure upgrades, post-pandemic digital tools, staff salary revisions, and adherence to updated education guidelines. However, families argue these explanations lack clarity and transparency. In some cases, annual fee hikes have soared between 15% to 25%, with little to no noticeable enhancement in school facilities, quality of education, or student support systems — leaving parents feeling financially burdened and unheard.
Another key concern is the lack of financial accountability. Many parents demand clear disclosure of how fees are calculated and how funds are being utilized. With minimal government oversight and no mandatory independent audits, schools continue to operate with significant financial opacity.
What Are the Protestors Demanding?
The protestors submitted a comprehensive memorandum to the Delhi Chief Minister, Education Minister, and Lieutenant Governor, listing these key demands:
- Immediate rollback of unjustified fee hikes.
- Enforce compulsory audits of school finances by the CAG or independent forensic experts to ensure full financial transparency and accountability.
- Monthly fee payment option to reduce financial pressure on families.
- Transparent fee structure, published online by every school.
- Strict action against schools that harass students over unpaid dues.
- Reform in Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) elections to ensure genuine parental representation.
- Promote cost transparency by mandating school purchases through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
Background: The New Fee Regulation Ordinance
Earlier this year, the Delhi government passed the Fee Regulation Ordinance 2025, which aims to control the frequency and quantum of school fee hikes. According to the new law:
- Schools can revise fees only once every three years, after committee approval.
- Schools that fail to follow the regulations could be fined as much as ₹10 lakh for violations.
- Schools must submit financial statements annually.
However, parents argue that the ordinance lacks consultation and enforcement mechanisms. They claim that despite the new rules, schools continue to exploit loopholes and pressure parents into paying inflated fees under different heads.
What’s Next?
UPV representatives stated that their repeated letters and a prior request for a meeting on June 30, 2025, went unanswered, forcing them to take their appeal to the streets. If the government fails to respond meaningfully, the group has warned of larger demonstrations and even legal action.
Parents also emphasized that this movement isn’t just about money—it’s about access to quality, affordable education and protecting the rights of children. “Our kids are being punished for our inability to pay. That’s unacceptable,” said one protestor.
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