New Delhi: State governments and Union Territory administrations regulate school fees charged by private schools, the Centre told the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary said education falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution. Therefore, states and UTs oversee schools that the Central Government does not establish, own or control.
As a result, state and UT authorities decide rules on private school fees, student and parent protection, and action against schools that violate those rules. The Centre said these matters depend on the rules and instructions of the respective governments.
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, also provides specific safeguards. Under the law, children aged 6 to 14 have a right to free and compulsory elementary education in a neighbourhood school.
Moreover, Section 12(1)(c) requires private unaided schools to reserve at least 25% of entry-level seats for children from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups. These children must receive free and compulsory elementary education until they complete it.
The law also prohibits schools from collecting capitation fees under Section 13.
School fees rules also cover universities and CBSE schools
Institutions deemed to be universities follow the UGC (Institutions deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023. Regulation 24.B.(2) requires them to follow fee and seat rules set by the relevant statutory bodies.
Meanwhile, state laws govern private universities. State legislatures establish these universities through specific Acts. Their respective state governments then frame rules and regulations for matters including fees.
The Central Board of Secondary Education has also set bye-laws covering fee structures at affiliated private schools. Schools must obtain approval from their School Management Committee before revising fees. Alternatively, they must follow the process prescribed by the appropriate government.
In addition, CBSE has acted against practices that can increase the financial burden on parents. Its guidelines prohibit affiliated schools from forcing students to buy books, uniforms or stationery from specific vendors.
The government said these provisions aim to support fair competition and protect parents from unnecessary financial pressure.
The information was provided by Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
