Private schools to be barred from charging arbitrary fees: Samrat

Patna: In a move aimed at bringing greater transparency and accountability in private schools, CM Samrat Choudhary has initiated steps to curb arbitrary functioning, regulate fee structures and safeguard the interests of students and parents across Bihar.Samrat, in a post on X, said the state govt was preparing a comprehensive framework to address long-standing concerns raised by parents regarding excessive fees and arbitrary practices by private schools.Under the proposed measures, private schools will be required to publicly display their complete fee structure, including admission, re-enrolment, development and monthly or annual charges, on notice boards as well as official websites to ensure transparency.The CM also said schools would not be allowed to compel parents to purchase books, uniforms or study materials from any specific or affiliated vendor. Parents would be free to buy these items from shops of their choice.Samrat further said the govt was preparing to regulate arbitrary fee hikes through regular inspections and audits of school fee structures to ensure charges remain reasonable and non-commercial in nature.“Strict action will be initiated against schools violating these norms,” Samrat said, adding that heavy penalties would be imposed on managements found guilty of violations. He also warned that recognition of schools could be cancelled in cases of repeated non-compliance.The CM’s directive further stated that no student could be denied permission to appear in examinations or access results due to fee-related disputes.Education department sources said the initiative was aimed at reducing the financial burden on guardians while improving accountability in private education.Officials also said the education department was strictly monitoring implementation of the 25% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) under the Right to Education (RTE) Act and legal action would be taken against non-compliant institutions.Sources described the proposed reforms as a major shift in Bihar’s education policy aimed at making private education more transparent and student-centric rather than commercially driven.