The Delhi government has taken a decisive step to regulate fee structures in the capital's private schools. In a significant move aimed at protecting parents from arbitrary hikes, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has issued a strict directive for the formation of Fee Fixation Committees (FFCs) in all private, unaided schools. This mandate is specifically for the upcoming academic year 2025-26.
Key Directives and Mandatory Compliance
The order, dated December 24, 2025, leaves no room for ambiguity. It requires every private unaided school in Delhi to constitute its Fee Fixation Committee by January 31, 2026. The committee's primary task is to meticulously examine and approve the school's proposed fee structure for the next academic session before it can be implemented.
The composition of the FFC is designed to ensure balanced representation. According to the directive, the committee must include:
- The school principal or head of the institution.
- Two representatives from the school's management.
- Three elected parents or guardians of students currently enrolled in the school.
This structure is intended to give parents a direct voice in the decision-making process concerning fees, a move hailed by many parent associations.
Transparency and Justification as Core Principles
The government's order emphasizes transparency and detailed justification for any proposed fee increase. Schools are now obligated to present a comprehensive breakdown of their financial requirements to the FFC. This breakdown must clearly outline how the collected fees will be utilized across various operational areas.
Schools cannot implement a new fee structure without the explicit approval of their Fee Fixation Committee. Furthermore, the approved fee proposal must be prominently displayed on the school's official notice board and website for at least 15 days before the start of the academic year, ensuring all stakeholders are informed.
The Directorate of Education has warned of strict action against institutions that fail to comply with these guidelines. Potential penalties include de-recognition or other disciplinary measures, underscoring the government's serious intent.
Implications for Parents and Schools
This intervention by the Delhi government is expected to have far-reaching consequences. For parents, it promises a more regulated and justifiable fee system, potentially easing the financial burden of private education. The mandatory inclusion of parent representatives is a powerful check against unilateral decisions by school managements.
For private schools, the order mandates a new level of financial accountability and collaborative governance. While it may limit their autonomy in setting fees, it also provides a formal framework to justify necessary increases based on genuine operational costs, such as staff salaries, infrastructure maintenance, and academic resources.
The formation of Fee Fixation Committees for the 2025-26 session marks a proactive effort by the Delhi authorities to address long-standing grievances about unchecked fee hikes. It represents a shift towards a more transparent and consultative model of school financial management in the national capital.
