Delhi private schools must establish school-level fee fixation committees by January 10 . This directive implements the new Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025. Education Minister Ashish Sood confirmed the new requirement, aiming to ensure greater transparency in school fee determination across the national capital.
New Law Targets Fee Transparency
The Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025, seeks to regulate fee structures within private schools. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta led the enactment of this legislation. The new Act functions alongside the existing Delhi School Education Act and Rules of 1973. This establishes a comprehensive legal framework for fee governance.
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has issued detailed directions for the formation of these new bodies. These include both School Level Fee Fixation Committees (SLFFC) and District Level Fee Appellate Committees (DLFAC). These provisions will be mandatory for all schools starting from the 2025-26 academic session .
Committee Formation and Structure
Each private school must form an 11-member School Level Fee Fixation Committee (SLFFC). This committee structure ensures diverse representation. Members will include representatives from the school management, the principal, teachers, and parents. This composition aims to provide balanced input during fee assessments.
The DoE’s specific guidelines detail the process for forming these committees. Schools must strictly follow these instructions for the SLFFCs to operate legally. The formation of these committees represents a fundamental change in how school fees are decided and reviewed.
Review Process and Deadlines
Schools are required to submit all fee proposals to their respective SLFFCs by January 25 . This submission deadline applies to any proposed fee adjustments for upcoming academic years. The SLFFC’s role is to thoroughly examine these proposals. It will also review any fee hikes that schools have already implemented during the current academic year, addressing past concerns.
The SLFFC must make a decision on submitted fee proposals within 30 days. If the committee fails to decide within this stipulated period, the matter will automatically escalate. It will then be referred to the District Level Fee Appellate Committee (DLFAC) for review. This automatic escalation mechanism ensures that fee-related issues receive timely attention and resolution.
Goals of the New Legislation
The new law aims to promote fairness, accountability, and equal opportunities for students. Minister Sood stated the legislation directly addresses and seeks to prevent “arbitrary fee hikes.” These unregulated increases have been a consistent source of concern and complaints among parents. The government’s objective is to bring stability and predictability to school fees.
Additionally, the education department has established clear norms for disclosures and compliance. These standards specifically relate to all fee proposals for the 2025-26 academic session . Schools must meet these disclosure requirements to ensure full transparency regarding their financial practices and fee structures.
State-Level Oversight and Government Commitment
Further details regarding a state-level committee are expected to be provided separately. This indicates a multi-tiered system for fee regulation and appeals. Minister Sood characterized the new law as a critical advancement in Delhi’s education reforms. The government has reiterated its commitment to the holistic well-being of children, encompassing their emotional, physical, financial, and mental health. This new fee regulation framework is positioned as a key initiative supporting that broader commitment.