No more advance fee pressure on parents in Delhi private schools

NEW DELHI: Parents can pay school fees monthly basis without being compelled to make advance or lumpsum payments, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has said in a recent order.

It has directed all private unaided recognised schools to collect fees monthly. The order states that no school can mandate or compel any parent or guardian to pay fees for a period exceeding one calendar month in a single instalment.

The directive comes after numerous complaints from parents and guardians. An official said: "Several schools were allegedly forcing families to pay fees in bi-monthly, quarterly lumpsums. Such practices were creating financial hardship in many households. Many had approached the department regarding such problems.”

Reiterating earlier instructions, DoE referred to its previous circular in 2019, which had also mandated monthly fee collection in compliance with a Delhi High Court order. Despite these guidelines, some schools insisted on advance fees.

The order highlights that such practices impose an undue financial burden on parents, particularly those belonging to low and middle-income groups. It notes that forcing advance payments runs contrary to the broader objective of ensuring equitable and inclusive access to education.
DoE has clarified that parents or guardians who wish to pay fees for more than one month at a time may still do so. However, this must be voluntary.

The directive places restrictions on schools regarding conditions linked to fee payments. It prohibits institutions from making advance fee deposits a pre-condition for admission, continuation of enrolment, or access to any service or benefit provided to students.

To ensure transparency and awareness, DoE has instructed all schools to prominently display the order on their notice boards. In addition, schools are required to upload the directive on their official websites within seven working days of receiving it. The order warns that non-compliance will be taken seriously. The directorate has stated that it may initiate action under the provisions of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules, 1973. This could include measures such as withdrawal of recognition or other steps deemed necessary to protect the interests of students and parents.

"The department will closely monitor compliance with the order and act promptly on complaints from parents. Schools are expected to respect the intent of the rule in both letter and spirit, and any deviation will be dealt with as per applicable regulations," the official added.

According to officials, with this move, DoE aims to enforce fairness and consistency in fee collection practices across private unaided recognised schools in the capital, while addressing long-standing concerns raised by parents over financial pressure and lack of flexibility in payment options.