The Directorate of Education (DoE) in Delhi has issued a directive to all private and government-aided schools, instructing them not to collect fees for more than a month at a time. This move is aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents, especially in the wake of ongoing economic challenges.
Key Details of the Directive
According to the official order, schools are now prohibited from demanding advance fees for periods exceeding one month. The directive applies to all categories of fees, including tuition, development, and other charges. Schools must also ensure that no hidden or extra charges are levied on parents.
Impact on Parents
This decision is expected to bring significant relief to parents who often struggle to pay lump-sum amounts for multiple months at once. The DoE has emphasized that schools must adhere strictly to the new rule, and any violation will attract strict action.
Compliance and Monitoring
The DoE has instructed all schools to display the fee structure prominently on their websites and notice boards. Additionally, schools are required to issue receipts for every payment made. The education department will conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance.
Parents have welcomed the move, stating that it will help them manage their finances better. However, some school associations have expressed concerns about cash flow management, but the DoE has clarified that the directive is in the best interest of students and parents.
Previous Guidelines
This is not the first time the DoE has intervened in fee-related matters. Earlier, the department had directed schools to refund excess fees collected during the COVID-19 pandemic and had also capped fee hikes. The latest directive reinforces the government's commitment to ensuring affordable education.
Schools have been given a deadline to comply with the order, failing which they may face penalties, including the cancellation of their recognition. The DoE has also set up a helpline for parents to report any violations.
