In a contentious dispute between parents and Delhi Public School (DPS) Dwarka, allegations of harassment and unauthorized fee hikes have emerged, sparking a heated debate over education norms and parental rights.
According to concerned parents, approximately 20 students have been barred from attending classes after they refused to comply with what they claim to be an unapproved increase in school fees. This led to their names being publicly listed on the school’s official website, which has been criticised for breaching privacy rights.
Delhi's Education Minister, Atishi, has responded swiftly, assuring reporters that action will be taken in response to the parents' grievances. The minister's statement comes amid mounting frustration from parents who assert that the fee revision did not adhere to Directorate of Education (DoE) guidelines.
In a counter statement on its website, DPS Dwarka has rejected the DoE's order to refund fees for the academic year 2023-24, citing ongoing legal procedures to resolve the issue. This stance has further exacerbated tensions between the school management and protesting parents.
The controversy has also drawn political attention, with BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat blaming Minister Atishi for what she termed as "harassment" of parents and children. Sehrawat urged the minister to ensure strict compliance with DoE directives, emphasizing the need for a resolution promptly addressing parental concerns.
Parents, who have been vocal about their ordeal, recounted instances where the school allegedly employed bouncers to prevent students with outstanding fees from boarding school buses, causing discomfort and anxiety among students. They expressed dismay over what they perceive as the DoE's failure to enforce its directives, with claims that its representatives were denied entry into the school premises.
As the standoff between DPS Dwarka and aggrieved parents continues, the broader implications of this dispute on education policies and parental rights remain a subject of intense scrutiny and debate.