Parents Protest Throughout Delhi Over Unwarranted School Fee Increases and AC Segregation

Anger is mounting throughout Delhi as parents have taken to the streets in protest against massive, unwarranted fee increases and discriminatory behavior in various private schools. Ranging from DPS Dwarka to Birla Vidya Niketan, frustrated parents protested in the streets, complaining against arbitrary fee hikes, stealth charges, and class segregation on the basis of air-conditioning payments.

At Maharaja Agrasen Model School, parents contend that students whose families don't pay an extra ₹7,500 for AC classrooms are put in isolated, non-air-conditioned rooms—leaving parents with concerns about inequality and emotional distress. Some parents even complain that teachers call children put in such non-AC sections by derogatory names.

The same outrage occurred at Birla Vidya Niketan, where the yearly fee rose by more than ₹28,000 without warning, along with an additional ₹10,800 AC charge. Efforts to clarify were apparently met with silence, gatekeeping, and incoherent meetings.

At DPS Dwarka, parents complain of a 100% fee increase since 2021. Some pupils were reportedly denied entry to classrooms, seated in libraries, or humiliated for non-payment. Parents have complained several times, with the Directorate of Education (DoE) directing inquiries.

Responding, Education Minister Ashish Sood has vowed transparency in the form of audits and public disclosure of data. But Atishi, Leader of Opposition, faulted the BJP-led government for facilitating "fee profiteering," demanding audit-supported relief steps on an immediate basis.

Parents complain increasing charges—Rs 50,000 or more a year per child—are becoming too heavy to bear, particularly for single-income families. "This is not merely a matter of money; it's a question of dignity and fair treatment in education," stated one parent.

As school audits are now underway, parents wait anxiously for decisive action and guidance on what fees are legal—and which practices contravene the very spirit of inclusive education.