More than 600 schools visited for arbitrary fee increases, over 10 showcause notices issued

The Delhi government has visited more than 600 private schools after receiving complaints of arbitrary fee increases, sending over 10 institutions showcause notices. The Directorate of Education (DoE) stated that district-level committees headed by SDMs were constituted to probe the issue.

The government of Delhi has checked more than 600 city private schools for arbitrary and unjustified fee hikes amid growing complaints. Over 10 schools were issued showcause notices after inspections, officials added on Wednesday. District-level panels have been established to investigate the complaints, a statement by the Directorate of Education (DoE) said. The panels are led by Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and have deputy directors of education, accounts officers, and principals of government schools.

The checks were on private unaided schools, including those that have been specifically mentioned in complaints lodged with the DoE. "The process is ongoing on a priority basis," the department added. Schools found guilty of increasing fees to make profits are being issued showcause notices under Section 24(3) of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules (DSEAR), 1973. In serious offenses, the DoE stated it is weighing options like withdrawal of school recognition or taking control of school administration.

Non-compliance by schools identified

The inspections also revealed default by some schools in filing compulsory fee statements and audited accounts, contrary to Sections 17(3) and 180(3) of DSEAR. Legal action is being pursued against such schools, the department further stated. Sticking to its position, the DoE cautioned that any deviation from fee regulation norms would be met with stern action. It asked all private schools to ensure openness and adhere to legal processes while hiking fees.

'Dummy admissions' were found

Additionally, the department reported complaints of "dummy admissions" being made in independent schools. Twenty schools were discovered to be dummy schools during inspections and are liable to action under DSEAR, 1973.

Officials also verified adherence to the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Schools have to give textbooks, uniforms, and writing material to students belonging to the economically weaker sections, disadvantaged groups, and children with special needs, as per Rule 8 of the Delhi RTE Rules, 2011. Failure to adhere to these will invite penalties under the RTE Act and DSEAR, the DoE said.