School Removes 11 Students After Fee Hike Non-Payment
Parents of students at Salwan Public School in Delhi have accused the institution of striking 11 students' names from the school rolls after they failed to pay a recently increased fee. The parents claim the school's action directly violates orders from the Directorate of Education (DoE) that prohibit fee hikes without prior approval.
Parents Allege Defiance of DoE Directives
The affected families told reporters that the school unilaterally raised the tuition fee for the academic session 2026-27 despite clear DoE instructions stating that no private school can increase fees without obtaining permission from the department's fee regulatory committee. The parents argued that the school's decision to remove the students is illegal and amounts to harassment.
“The school has not only increased fees arbitrarily but has now struck off 11 children from the rolls. This is a clear violation of the Directorate of Education’s orders. Our children are being punished for something the school itself is not authorized to do,” said a parent who wished to remain anonymous.
School's Stance and Legal Context
Salwan Public School officials have not yet issued an official statement on the matter. However, sources within the school indicated that the fee hike was necessary to meet rising operational costs and that parents were duly informed in advance. The school maintains that the parents who failed to pay were given multiple reminders before the final action was taken.
The Directorate of Education has in the past issued several circulars reminding private schools that any fee revision must be approved by the Fee Regulatory Committee. Schools found violating these orders can face penalties, including the cancellation of their recognition.
Impact on Students and Future Steps
The 11 students, whose names were struck off, are now unable to attend classes or access school facilities. Parents are exploring legal options, including approaching the Delhi High Court and filing a complaint with the DoE. They have also demanded immediate reinstatement of their children pending a resolution.
Education activists have condemned the school’s action, calling it a “draconian measure” that punishes children for administrative disputes. They have urged the DoE to intervene and ensure that no student is denied education due to fee disputes.
As the academic year progresses, the incident has sparked a broader debate on fee regulation in private schools across Delhi, with many parents calling for stricter enforcement of DoE guidelines to prevent similar occurrences.
