Delhi education dept launches online system for school fee hike complaints

Parents in Delhi can now formally challenge school fee hikes through an online system after the city’s education department upgraded its official website to include a dedicated Fee Review Committee section.

The new feature allows families to submit complaints digitally if they believe a private school has increased fees unfairly or without due approval.

A specific online form titled “Feedback Regarding School Fee Hike” has been added to streamline grievances that earlier often unfolded through informal meetings, email exchanges, and, in some cases, litigation.

The initiative is aligned with the Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Rules, 2025.

Complaints submitted through the portal will be examined by a Fee Review Committee headed by retired Justice Anil Dev Singh.

The panel also includes chartered accountant J S Kochar and former additional director of education R K Sharma.

Unlike the earlier process, the revised website enables parents not only to file complaints online but also to monitor the status of their submissions. The portal further provides an option to email the committee chair directly.

One of the notable additions is the ability to submit feedback anonymously. Education officials indicated that this feature is intended to address concerns among families who fear potential repercussions for raising objections against school management.

The revamped website also provides access to digital copies of key legislation, including the Delhi School Education Act and the latest fee regulation rules.

It references past legal developments on fee disputes, including the petition filed by Delhi Abhibhavak Mahasangh before the Delhi High Court and earlier judicial directions related to fee scrutiny.

Beyond fee regulation, the portal now includes a daily attendance reporting system for government schools. All 1,086 government schools in the capital are required to upload attendance data each day.

Initial figures suggest that most schools have begun updating records, a move officials say could improve administrative oversight if the data is consistently maintained and reviewed.

The website has also been expanded as an academic resource platform for students from Classes 3 to 12. It hosts question banks, mock tests, workbooks, mental math materials, and CUET preparation resources.

With the overhaul, the Delhi government aims to institutionalize oversight in areas such as school fees and attendance while also positioning the portal as a centralized academic support platform.