Dehradun: In a first-of-its-kind move, the Dehradun district administration has taken a firm stand against the arbitrary fee hikes and alleged exploitation by private schools and associated businesses. Acting on directives from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, District Magistrate Savin Bansal has initiated strict measures to curb the growing commercialisation of education.
Recently, four prominent bookstores were found guilty of GST evasion, denying receipts, and compelling parents to purchase unnecessary materials. As a result, these shops have been sealed and FIRs registered.
Following this, several private schools have come under scrutiny. According to a statement issued by the district administration on 4 April, Ann Mary School has rolled back a previously imposed 30% fee hike, reducing it to 10% after administrative intervention. Authorities claim that sustained pressure has forced many schools to offer relief to parents who had expressed their grievances through formal complaints and memorandums.
The DM has issued a clear warning that schools found violating government norms regarding fee structures or indulging in practices that burden parents will face strict consequences, including possible cancellation of licenses and sealing of premises.
A district-level meeting was recently held with principals and management of private schools under the chairmanship of the Chief Development Officer. Schools were instructed to adhere strictly to government guidelines, which permit a maximum 10% fee hike once every three years.
Further directives include:
Ensuring textbooks and answer sheets are available in the open market at affordable rates, with the removal of school-specific branding.
Making school uniform details and logos publicly available on school websites to allow open market access.
Mandatory submission of fee hike proposals for each academic session to the Chief Education Officer (CEO) for approval prior to implementation.
Specific instructions were issued to:
Ann Mary School, GMS Road: Limit the 2025–26 fee hike to 10% and adjust any excess fees already charged in upcoming months. The school must also become fully compliant with RTE norms.
Summer Valley School: Cap Class 9 fee hike at 6% for the current session and display textbook and uniform information on its website.
St Joseph’s Academy: Although found compliant, it was reminded to adhere to the 10% hike rule over a three-year period.
With these measures, the administration aims to bring transparency and fairness to the education system while easing the financial burden on parents.
