Supreme Court issues notice to Delhi Education Director on parent's plea challenging fee hike by private schools on government lands

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Director of Education in Delhi following a parent's plea challenging the recent fee hikes by private unaided schools operating on government-allocated lands. The plea highlights concerns over significant fee increases, reportedly up to 100 percent, imposed by these schools. This legal action seeks to address the burden these hikes place on families and questions the legality of such increases under existing agreements for schools utilizing government land. The petition argues that these schools are not adhering to the conditions set forth in their land allotment agreements, which typically include stipulations to maintain reasonable fee structures. By raising fees so substantially, the schools may be violating these agreements, thereby necessitating government intervention. The plea also raises issues of transparency and accountability, urging the court to examine if such financial decisions are justifiable and in compliance with educational norms. In response to the plea, the Supreme Court has called upon the Delhi Education Director to provide a detailed explanation of the fee structures and any regulatory measures in place. This development has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between private school autonomy and public accountability, as parents and educational activists closely watch the proceedings. The court's decision could set a precedent for how fee regulations are enforced in private schools on government lands across the country.

— Authored by Next24 Live