Parliament Question: Exorbitant Fee Hikes by Private Schools

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND LITERACY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1303 ANSWERED ON 27/07/2026 Exorbitant Fee Hikes by Private Schools 1303. Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal: Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has taken note of the increasing complaints regarding arbitrary and exorbitant fee hikes and various forms of overcharging by private schools across the country; (b) if so, the details of the complaints received by the Government during the last five years, year- wise and State/UT-wise along with the action taken thereon; (c) whether the Government has issued any advisory to the State Governments for constituting independent Fee Regulatory Committees or strengthening existing mechanisms for scrutiny and approval of fee hikes and if so, the details thereof; (d) whether the Government proposes to take any measures to ensure affordability and protection of the interests of students and parents while safeguarding the quality of education imparted by private schools; and (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY) (a) to (e): Education is a subject in the Concurrent List of the Constitution. Schools, other than those established, owned or controlled by the Central Government, are under the jurisdiction of the respective State Governments/UT Administrations. Therefore, matters related to the management of schools that are not established, owned or controlled by the Central Government are regulated in accordance with the rules and instructions of the respective State Government/UT administrations. However, every child aged six to fourteen has the right to free and compulsory elementary education in a neighborhood school. Section 12(1) (c) of the RTE Act, 2009 mandates reservation in private unaided schools for children belonging to weaker sections and disadvantaged groups to the extent of at least 25% seats at the entry level and provision of free and compulsory elementary education to such children till its completion. Also, Section 13 of the RTE Act, 2009 clearly prohibits the collection of any capitation fee. Also, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has established bye-laws that regulate various aspects of school administration, including fee structures for private schools affiliated with the board. The Bye-Laws require express approval from the School ManagementCommittee or adherence to the process prescribed by the Appropriate Government for any fee revision. Also, the CBSE has taken steps to prevent schools from exploiting parents through mandatory purchases. CBSE guidelines prohibit schools from compelling students to buy books, uniforms, or stationery from specific vendors. This aims to reduce the financial burden on parents and promote fair competition. ********