Delhi private schools cannot hike fees during lockdown: Sisodia

The Delhi government on Friday (April 17) said private schools will not be allowed to increase fees during the COVID-19 lockdown without the government’s permission.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also asked the institutions not to levy any additional charges other that tuition fees. “We have got several complaints about schools hiking fees and also levying charges like transport fee, which is not even being utilised during the lockdown. No private school will be allowed to hike fees without seeking permission from the government. Schools also cannot charge beyond the tuition fee,” Sisodia said at a press conference in New Delhi.

Sisodia, who is also the education minister of Delhi, said, no school can charge three months tuition fee (at a time). “The fee has to be collected monthly. Schools are mandated to pay salaries to their staff including the contractual ones. If they are short of funds, they can reach out to their parent organisation for funds”, he added.

Related news | COVID-19 cases in Delhi mount to 1,640; govt to conduct tests on people delivering essentials

He also clarified that transport fee, annual fee or any other miscellaneous charges cannot be levied during the lockdown, which has been extended till May 3 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“No students access to online classes should be restricted, irrespective of fee payment,” Sisodia said.

He said the rule will be applicable to all schools, irrespective of if an institute is built on government land or private land.

The Delhi government has taken this decision under the Delhi School Education Act and the National Disaster Management Act.

Related news |  COVID-19: Delhi govt to set up paid-quarantine facilities in 3 hotels

(With inputs from agencies)