New Delhi, August 27, 2025 – The Debate and Discussion Society of Law Centre-II, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, organised a Special Lecture on the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025, a landmark law aimed at curbing arbitrary fee hikes in private schools.
The event began with traditional lamp lighting, the University Kulgeet, and an inaugural address by Prof. Dr. Anupam Jha, Professor In-charge, Law Centre-II. Prof. Jha welcomed the Hon’ble Minister with a poetic tribute and lauded the government’s efforts in addressing one of the most pressing issues in Delhi’s education system.
Minister Ashish Sood’s Powerful Address
Delivering the special lecture, Shri Ashish Sood, Hon’ble Minister of Home, Education & Power, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, electrified the audience with his speech. Recalling his days as President of DUSU, he reminded students of Delhi University’s historic role in shaping political revolutions—from the anti-Emergency protests to the Bofors movement—calling students “torchbearers of change.”
Turning to the legislation, the Minister clarified that the Delhi Government treats both government and private schools as its own, but protecting the interests of middle-class parents demanded urgent action. He called the 2025 Act a permanent solution to a decades-old problem, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in school fee regulation.
Key Provisions of the 2025 Act
- Applies to all 1,700 private unaided schools in Delhi, expanding beyond the earlier limit of 300 schools under the 1973 Act.
- Schools must submit a three-year fee structure in advance; hikes allowed only once in three years.
- Establishes a three-tier Fee Regulation System – at school, district, and state levels.
- Parents as stakeholders: Each school’s Fee Fixation Committee will include 5 parents with mandatory SC/ST/women representation.
- Unauthorized fee hikes attract penalties from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh, with repeat violations inviting higher fines, cancellation of recognition, or even government takeover.
- Students cannot be harassed or removed for fee issues; violations will attract fines of ₹50,000 per student.
- Appeals process allows even a single parent to escalate grievances to higher committees.
The Minister emphasized:
“Education is a sacred duty. Our goal is world-class education for every child—whether in a government or private school. This law ensures stability for parents, accountability for schools, and a brighter future for students.”
Political Courage Against the “Education Mafia”
In a striking remark, Sood accused previous regimes of either “fearing or colluding with the education mafia,” pointing out that earlier governments issued token orders without accountability. He highlighted how audits were never conducted, financial records went unchecked, and profiteering was rampant.
By contrast, the new law mandates public disclosure of accounts and strict penalties, signalling the government’s intent to dismantle decades of mismanagement.
A Historic Day at Law Centre-II
The audience of faculty and students responded with admiration and enthusiasm, many calling the Minister’s energy “infectious.” The session concluded with the felicitation of debate competition winners, followed by a heartfelt vote of thanks by Prof. Dr. Vageshwari Deswal, Programme Convener.
