Delhi chief Rekha Gupta on Tuesday promised ‘swift and strict actions’ against private schools found to be hiking fees arbitrarily or threatening students with expulsion. Delhi’s new CM said that such practices will not be tolerated after conducting a meeting with a group of aggrieved parents. As part of the swift response, Gupta has also instructed the education officials to identify all faultlines in fee payment in private institutions and issue an immediate notice.

“(We have made it so that) schools have the right to intimidate or harass students or their guardians, or to increase fees without due process. There are clear laws and guidelines governing this, and any school found in violation will face serious consequences,” Gupta said.

CM Remarks

The CM’s remark came hours after the meeting with parents and students of a girls’ school in Model Town: Queen Mary’s public School. Parents accused the administration of unfair fee collection methods and expelling students for non-compliance.

The chief minister directed the education department to launch a citywide enquiry into such complaints.

“Whether it’s a smart classroom, trained educators or skill development programmes, our focus is on nurturing life skills, independent thinking and self-resilience so that every child can realise their full potential,” adds Rekha Gupta while flaunting the BJP government’s approach to education reforms, which according to her extends beyond infrastructure.