The Delhi government has directed private unaided recognised schools to collect fees on a monthly basis, stating that parents cannot be compelled to pay for more than one month at a time.
Monthly fee rule reiterated
In an order issued on Friday, the Directorate of Education (DoE) said schools must not require parents or guardians to pay fees in advance for multiple months, per Hindustan Times. The directive follows complaints about schools demanding bimonthly, quarterly, or advance payments.
"Such a practice imposes an undue financial burden upon parents, particularly those belonging to low and middle-income groups, and runs contrary to the underlying objective of ensuring equitable and inclusive access to education," the order stated.
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The DoE also said such practices go against earlier directions issued by the High Court and the department.
What the order clarifies
The department referred to its February 15, 2019 circular, which had already instructed schools to collect fees monthly, in line with a High Court order dated April 10, 2013, in the case “Mr. Rahul Chadha & Ors. vs. Summer Field School & Ors.”.
At the same time, the latest order makes it clear that parents may choose to pay fees for more than one month in advance if they wish.
However, schools have been barred from making advance payments a condition for "admission, continuation of enrolment, or any other benefit or service extended to the student".
Schools have also been directed to display the order on notice boards and upload it on their websites within seven working days. Non-compliance could invite action under the Delhi School Education Act, 1973, and related rules.
Mixed reactions from stakeholders
Parents have welcomed the move, saying it eases financial pressure. "Schools had been forcing parents to pay quarterly fees, and the order is helpful as it provides parents comfort. This has also been a long-pending demand of ours.
In our school, which had been charging hiked fees until recently, paying the fees for three months would become a big financial burden, as the one month fee is ₹16,000, meaning we would have to pay almost ₹50,000 at a go," HT quoted Divya Mattey as saying.
Others stressed the need for proper enforcement. "The order is really good, but the problem is always the lack of implementation. The government and the DoE are both required to implement it on a strict basis, and ensure that no school violates it. However, this compliance is not there from the school’s side," said Vipul Goyal, per HT.
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School principals also supported the decision, saying flexibility already exists. "Parents have the option of whether they want to pay the fees for 1 month or more, or even for the whole year," said Tania Joshi, per HT.
"Schools are always flexible, and we have never pressured parents to pay the fees for more months than they want to," said Jyoti Arora.
