The Delhi Government, in a major step toward promoting financial transparency and accountability in the education sector, has launched a comprehensive investigation into alleged fee irregularities across more than 1,600 private schools in the national capital. Spearheaded by Education Minister Ashish Sood, the probe will target violations such as arbitrary fee hikes, breaches of fee cap regulations, and insufficient auditing practices within these institutions.
Addressing a press conference, Sood criticized the long-standing lack of oversight and auditing in Delhi’s private school ecosystem. He revealed that out of the 1,600 registered private schools in the capital, only 75 schools have been audited in the past ten years, leaving a massive gap in the monitoring of school finances. “The Directorate of Education does not even have complete or accurate data for many of these schools,” he said.
As part of this intensified effort, a delegation led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) will visit each of the 1,600 private schools. The SDM-led teams are tasked with investigating the operations and fee structures of these schools to identify any violations. Schools will be required to respond to a detailed 18-point questionnaire aimed at uncovering fee anomalies, documentation gaps, and compliance issues.
“This is not just a political move. Standing full responsibly and with a truthful heart, I challenge the ones who have looted money from parents under the guise of private education,” Sood declared. He further emphasized that the BJP-led government in Delhi will conduct a thorough, transparent, and fair investigation, ensuring accountability without bias.
What Happens If Delhi Government Schools Are Found Guilty?
Delhi government said that in case , any financial malpractice is discovered, schools found guilty will face strict action. Most notably, parents will be eligible for refunds on any excessive or unauthorized fees collected by these institutions. Sood stated that the investigation’s goal is not to create unrest among schools or parents but to ensure justice and restore trust in the education system.
The government has also opened a formal communication channel for parents to lodge complaints. Those who have grievances regarding unexplained fee hikes or irregular charges are encouraged to reach out to the Directorate of Education via email at ddeact1@gmail.com.
Additionally, the Education Department has committed to releasing a list of schools that have raised their fees within ten days. This information will be made available on the department’s official website, allowing for greater transparency and enabling parents to stay informed about fee policies and changes.
The probe follows rising public outrage and political scrutiny over the functioning of private schools in Delhi. Former Education Minister Manish Sisodia recently demanded a CBI investigation into what he termed as an “arbitrary and unjustified fee hike” by many private institutions. He also accused the current Delhi government of shielding such schools.
In response to Sisodia’s allegations, Minister Sood fired back, saying, “They would initially say the CBI is the B-team. Now they are demanding the same CBI to conduct an investigation.” He further challenged Sisodia to present concrete evidence of corruption if any exists and urged him to file a formal complaint rather than relying on public accusations.
The developments come at a crucial time when the affordability of education in private institutions is under sharp focus nationwide. Parents have repeatedly voiced concerns about sudden fee hikes, non-refundable charges, and lack of transparency in how their money is being used.
With over 1,600 schools now under official scrutiny and a structured process being implemented, Delhi’s education authorities hope to send a clear message: financial exploitation under the guise of quality education will no longer be tolerated.
The Education Department aims to complete preliminary assessments in the coming weeks, followed by audits and corrective measures for schools found in violation. The public and stakeholders now await the outcomes of this sweeping probe, which could potentially reshape the way private education is regulated in the capital.
DELHI GOVERNMENT ON PRIVATE SCHOOLS
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Why has the Delhi Government launched a probe into private school fees?
The Delhi Government initiated the probe to investigate alleged fee-related irregularities, including arbitrary hikes, non-compliance with fee caps, and lack of financial transparency in over 1,600 private schools.
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Who is leading the investigation?
The probe is being spearheaded by Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, with field investigations conducted by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)-led teams