Schools to act according to Delhi High Court order

Private schools in the city, directed by the Delhi high court to seek prior approval to increase fees, said that they are already informing the directorate of education (DoE) about any increase in school fees and now will follow the court direction and take prior approval from the department.

However, experts and a few schools accepted that in light of the high court’s direction, fees may not increased from new academic session starting April in a majority of the schools.

A bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath directed the Delhi government’s DoE to ensure compliance of the terms in letter of allotment regarding increase of fees by recognised private unaided schools built on land allotted by DDA.

Delhi State Public Schools’ Management Association chairperson R.C. Jain claimed that all the private unaided schools in the city already inform the DoE about any proposed hike in fees. “Even before the court direction, any increase in fees is decided in school management committee in which two nominees of the DoE are present. After a proper discussion on the proposal, hike, if any, is intimated to the DoE. Now onwards, all the schools will take prior approval of the DoE,” added Mr Jain.

Many schools refused to comment on the court’s direction. However, they admitted there was no other option apart from following the direction till it is stayed by a higher court. “We have no choice as it is clearly mentioned in the court order that fees cannot be hiked without prior approval. School management will now act accordingly,” said a school principal.

It is now believed that due to prior approval clause imposed by the high court, a majority of the private schools or all of them might not be able to increase the fees from April. “It will be difficult for school managements to seek DoE approval in short period of time as the department will seek time to check accounts before giving permission. Whole exercise will take time, which will ensure no increase of school fees from April,” said another school principal.

The order came on a PIL filed by advocate Khagesh Jha for an NGO, Justice for All, that had sought all recognised private unaided schools on land allotted by DDA be directed to abide by the stipulation in letter of allotment to take prior sanction of the DoE before hiking their fees. Mr Jha said that the judgment will have direct impact on 410 big private schools.

“The high court order damages the monopoly practised by private schools in deciding fees,” added Mr Jha.