Fee hike in Delhi school sparks parents' protest, demand for reforms

Hundreds of parents gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20 to demonstrate against what they called arbitrary fee hikes and a lack of transparency in private schools.

Under the banner of United Parents' Voice (UPV), the protest came after months of unorganized efforts to see authorities regarding fee hikes.

This was not a first attempt at contacting parents, UPV said. On 30 June 2025, it took over three hours to get an opportunity to meet Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Where a small group did manage a brief meeting and a promise of further discussion, however, no further communication occurred despite official follow-up.

As part of the protest, parents had submitted a detailed memorandum to the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, and Education Minister, expressing some key concerns. These were unauthorized fee increases, alleged misappropriation of school funds, and exploitation of students' rights.

The memorandum had also protested the recently passed Fee Regulation Ordinance 2025, which protestors had complained was passed without proper public consultation.

KEY DEMANDS RAISED BY PARENTS

Some of the key demands referred to were:

Rollback of unratified fee increases

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and forensic auditors' independent audits

Government-overseen parent-teacher association (PTA) elections for inclusive governance

Action against schools that shame or penalize students for non-payment of fees, in violation of Article 21A of the Constitution

Parents also sought schools to implement a monthly fee system, charging that lump sum payment imposes undue financial burden on families.

They demanded that all infrastructure purchases be done through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) for cost-effective and transparent spending.

A major demand was public display of fee structures approved by the Directorate of Education on school and government websites.

UPV CALLS FOR JUSTICE AND DIALOGUE

The protest was a sign of frustration from the community after they had exhaustively approached all official channels, according to parent and UPV member Rahul Gupta.

"We have tried every means, emails, meeting, even written plea to the highest powers. Today's meeting is a collective appeal for dignity and fairness in our children's education," he further added.

UPV reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful civic action and urged the government to initiate an open and transparent discussion with concerned parents.

The organization also added that initial appeals have already been made by email and speed post to the President, Prime Minister, and Union Home Minister, urging immediate action.

As parents continue protesting for increased accountability in private schooling, they have pledged to keep up peaceful agitations until meaningful reforms are achieved