The Delhi government has approved a landmark draft bill aimed at regulating school fees in both private and government-run institutions across the city. The decision follows recent protests by hundreds of parents who raised concerns about unregulated and sudden fee hikes, especially in private schools.

Announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the bill—titled the Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill, 2025—seeks to introduce a structured approach to school fee management. Gupta described the move as both "bold" and "historic," emphasizing that earlier administrations had left a policy vacuum, allowing unchecked increases in fees without government oversight.

The protests, which took place outside the Directorate of Education (DoE) on April 16, prompted immediate government intervention. The DoE began proceedings against unaided private schools allegedly increasing fees without due process. Actions included possible de-recognition and takeover of errant schools.

Education Minister Ashish Sood clarified that the draft legislation includes 18 key provisions and is currently under review before full implementation. Among the proposed measures is a cap on fee hikes, which will be allowed only once every three years.

The legislation also aims to address concerns about the financial burden on families and reported cases of student harassment linked to unpaid fees. If enacted, this bill could reshape the education landscape in Delhi by ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and fairness in how schools determine and collect fees.