SC: Unaided private schools need government approval for hike
Supreme Court ruled that 'unaided private schools' will need approval from relevant government authorities when mulling a fee hike. Unaided schools, which had been allotted subsidized land by Delhi Development Authority (DDA), were accused of hiking fees without seeking mandatory approvals. SC ruling came on a Delhi HC order which was challenged by an association of private unaided schools.
Fee hikes by unaided schools
An NGO, Justice for All, filed a PIL in Delhi High Court little over a year ago. PIL contended that 400 private unaided schools that were allotted government land at subsidized rates would unilaterally hike fees without required approval from Directorate of Education (DOE). PIL alleged that arbitrary practice of hiking fees violated 'fee hike embargo' as specified in letter of land allotment.
Private unaided schools
Private unaided schools in Delhi built on government allotted land include DPS (RK Puram), Modern School (Barakhambha), Air Force Bal Bharti School (Lodhi Road), Ryan International School (Mayur Vihar), Amity International School (Saket) and Convent of Jesus and Mary (Bangla Sahib Marg).
Delhi HC rules on PIL
In January 2016, the Delhi High Court in a landmark judgement put an end to "profiteering and commercialization of education". Delhi HC ruled that "Quantum of fees to be charged by unaided schools is subject to regulation by DoE under Delhi Schools Education Act." HC added that the DDA could take action against private schools which violated the "the embargo on fee hikes".
Private schools' association moves Supreme court
To challenge Delhi HC judgement, 'Action Committee for Unaided Recognized Private Schools' an umbrella organization of Delhi schools decided to immediately move the Supreme Court against Delhi HC ruling.
What did Supreme Court say?
Supreme Court bench headed by CJI Khehar upheld the judgement of the Delhi High Court and said HC order is "100 per cent correct". The apex court dismissed the plea filed by 'Action Committee Unaided Recognized Private Schools' which had challenged Delhi HC ruling. SC reiterated that schools cannot hike their fees without prior approval from the DOE.
Delhi Deputy CM hails SC ruling
Deputy CM Manish Sisodia hailed SC ruling and said "This is a historic decision. It is a major victory for thousands of parents and students studying in private schools." He cautioned schools to be more transparent with respect to admission and fees.
