School Fees Turn Into a Political Weapon: Will Anyone Hear the Pain of Delhi’s Parents?

India: AAP stands as a strong opposition to Delhi’s BJP government and parents over a new ordinance regulating private school fees. Critics claim the ordinance benefits school owners, allowing unchecked fee hikes and harming middle-class families. Parents staged protests demanding transparency and fair fee policies. AAP leaders accuse the BJP of ignoring genuine concerns and suppressing dissent through false FIRs. The controversy highlights growing tensions around education affordability in Delhi.

 Parents Protest ‘Hidden’ at Chhatarpur Stadium

Parents gathered outside Chhatarpur Stadium on Saturday to protest the fee regulation ordinance introduced by Delhi’s BJP government. Led by CM Rekha Gupta’s administration, the ordinance was drafted and pushed through without public or legislative discussion. AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj stood in solidarity, warning that the ordinance would only empower private schools and educational “mafia” to hike fees unchecked—leaving parents vulnerable and voiceless. 

Unchecked Fee Hikes and Governance Surrender warned by AAP

According to Bharadwaj, the ordinance bypasses democratic scrutiny and hands undue power to school-level committees — often dominated by school staff. The move sidelines meaningful parental participation and undercuts existing regulatory mechanisms. He pointed out that fee hikes as high as 40–80% have already been implemented since April, with no rollback or refunds issued. In his view, the BJP’s action amounts to a surrender of governance to school managements. 

Parents’ Concerns AAP’s, Demand for Transparency

AAP leaders, including former education minister Atishi, have demanded a transparent legislative debate. They insist on a full Assembly session and a Select Committee to solicit stakeholder feedback. Parents are equally worried—fearful that fee control mechanisms have been severely weakened. The ordinance, they argue, was introduced secretly and will benefit only private schools, allowing them to levy charges arbitrarily—bypassing existing Directorate of Education permissions. 

DPS-Dwarka Student's Parents Support 

Parents from Delhi Public School (DPS), Dwarka, have taken their protests to Jantar Mantar after being barred from classrooms over unpaid fees. The Delhi High Court mandated their return if they paid half the additional fees, yet they face inflated demands and coercive tactics—including bouncers. These parents are now demanding genuine fee transparency, auditing, and reimbursement. Their plight underscores AAP’s broader concerns.

AAP Moves to Draft Counter-Legislation

In response, AAP has launched a public consultation campaign to draft its own fee regulation bill. Through meetings and an open email platform, it is soliciting input from parents and activists. The goal is to craft a transparent, accountable framework that requires prior approval for fee hikes and protects parental rights—ushering in reform through a democratic and consultative process. 

The ongoing conflict reflects deeper tensions over governance and middle-class rights in Delhi. While the BJP defends the ordinance as pro-parents, AAP argues it's pro-school profiteers. The outcome will set the tone for fee regulation, parental oversight, and educational equity in the capital—shaping policy for years to come.