Delhi Education Minister Intervenes to Resolve School Fee Dispute, Ensures Admit Card Issuance
In a significant development, Apeejay School in Saket, Delhi, issued admit cards to three of its students on Monday after Education Minister Asish Sood intervened in a dispute over alleged non-payment of fees. The students had earlier been denied the admit cards, sparking concerns about their ability to take upcoming exams.
Minister's Firm Stance Against Coercive Fee Recovery
Following the resolution, Minister Sood asserted that no school in Delhi would be permitted to resort to coercive measures for fee recovery. He emphasized the education department's proactive approach, stating, "The education department is engaging with school managements, senior officials, and parents to ensure that such disputes do not disrupt students' education. Every child in Delhi is our own, whether they study in private or government schools." Earlier in the day, he had directed the Directorate of Education to ensure all students could take their exams without hindrance.
Background of the Fee Dispute and Parental Protest
The issue came to light when the school denied entry and admit cards to a Class X student allegedly over outstanding dues following fee increases. Parents of some students staged a protest outside the campus, highlighting the tension. In an email to the school administration, one parent detailed how they were not allowed to enter the premises to collect the admit card for their daughter.
The school's principal had previously written to the parent, referencing a letter sent on February 6 regarding the clearance of outstanding fee dues of Rs 6,52,037 for the issuance of the admit card. The principal clarified, "It is not a case for denial of entry but a clear request and update that the admit card will be issued immediately once you clear the outstanding amount as detailed. Numerous reminders have been sent to you for the same."
School's Position and Historical Context
After the parent's email, the school issued a statement outlining its stance. It revealed that the issue pertained to outstanding school fees amounting to nearly Rs 21.3 lakh for four students, with dues pending for two years for one Class XII student and five years for the others. The school noted that all other 147 parents of Class X and XII students had been paying their fees regularly.
"The concerns are now being raised by parents of three students out of a total of 151 students of Class X and XII," the school added. It also referenced a similar situation in 2024, where the Delhi High Court directed parents to clear full outstanding fees before admit cards were issued, leading to payment and card issuance.
The school affirmed, "The school applies its policies uniformly and without discrimination. At the same time, we remain sensitive to genuine cases of financial hardship and have extended scholarships and support wherever warranted."
Fee Hike Details and Systemic Implications
According to sources, data indicates that for the academic year 2022-23, the school raised fees by 10%, with a 5% increase approved by the Directorate of Education effective April 1, 2023. For 2023-24, the school implemented a 10% fee hike without DoE intervention, and for 2024-25, it planned another 10% increase, again without objections from education authorities.
This case underscores ongoing challenges in balancing school fee structures with student welfare, prompting calls for clearer policies to prevent such disruptions in the future.
