Strict Action Against Schools Over Fee Hike, Says Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday warned private schools against arbitrary fee hikes, asserting that “no school has the right to intimidate parents or students.” Acting on multiple complaints, she said the government is issuing notices to schools allegedly involved in unjustified fee increases.

“Parents have shared serious concerns with me. Schools cannot threaten children or raise fees without justification. There are rules that must be followed. Those violating them will face consequences,” Gupta told reporters.

The issue surfaced after parents accused a Dwarka-based school of confining students to the library for nearly 25 days—a practice dubbed a "library arrest."

Government Ramps Up Inspections

Education Minister Ashish Sood confirmed that an inspection team visited the school. SDMs citywide have been tasked with surveying schools using an 18-point compliance checklist. A dedicated complaints email has also been launched.

Political Tensions Escalate

AAP leaders accused the BJP of siding with private school managements. Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged links between BJP officials and school associations. Former minister Manish Sisodia claimed fee hikes ranged from 20% to 82%, calling it a handover of education to an “education mafia.”

BJP Responds

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva dismissed the claims as an attempt to divert attention from AAP’s failures. He said audits have been ordered for 1,665 private schools, calling AAP’s remarks baseless and politically motivated.