The Delhi Parents’ Association on Monday staged a protest outside the Education Directorate, alleging that two private schools in east and southwest Delhi have taken coercive action to recover “unapproved” high fees from parents of children studying in these schools.
According to complaints filed with the Ministry of Education, the schools allegedly crossed the names of several students from their rolls and withheld the progress report cards of dozens of others for allegedly not paying the increased fees.
The parents claimed that they had been raising the issue with the authorities for nearly two years, but the schools continued to take “arbitrary and coercive” measures despite multiple directives issued by the Ministry of Education.
In their representation, the parents said the schools had maintained that prior approval from the Department of Education was not required before reviewing fees, citing some court rulings. However, the parents alleged that the administration had already issued show-cause notices and other directions to schools, which were “blatantly ignored”.
However, there was no immediate reaction available from schools or the education department.
They further stated that several parents have approached the Delhi High Court in the matter, as the issue of fee hike is currently being considered. They said the court ordered limited interim relief in one case, while the broader dispute remains pending.
Despite this, parents have alleged that schools have continued to issue new ‘write-off’ notices and emails warning of further action if the disputed fee amount is not paid by the end of March.
The association claimed that such actions negatively affect students’ academic interests and cause mental stress to families.
Citing provisions of the Delhi School Education Act, 1973 and related rules, the parents argued that unaided private schools cannot impose arbitrary fee hikes without regulatory oversight, nor can they take punitive action against students over disputed dues.
They called on the Directorate of Education to intervene immediately to ensure the recovery of students’ names, the issuance of the withheld result cards, and the withdrawal of forced notices.
The parents also urged the administration to take action against the schools for alleged violations of standards and ensure that no student faces academic disruption due to the ongoing fees dispute.
